Flute Headjoint Restoration- Band Instrument Repair- Wes Lee Music

In this episode, Wes restores a flute Headjoint for a client. By far one of the worst headjoint damages I have ever seen. Was fun to think outside the box for the best way to restore. Loved using the Mini Z once again.

[@karencox3235]

As a former saxophone player (I sold my horn several years ago) I laud what you can accomplish! I will always have a soft spot in my heart for band instruments, especially the woodwinds like tenor sax and flute (which I played). My high school and college band years were some of the best of my life, and I'm glad to see someone like you out there fixing instruments with such skill so players can just play their music to the best of their ability. New subscriber here!

[@jessebrook1688]

Man, that flute headjoint is at the point where, if it were a student flute, I'd just dig a headjoint from the bonepile and fit it to the flute. But I don't work in a shop that does restoration-level work. That was a gnarly repair.

[@elliottsmith3632]

I don't play any instruments and have no music background, but I would love to do this. I'm surprised how much force you have to exert yet have to have such a light touch to fix those dings and bends and all. Keep up the good work.

[@roytucker9114]

I would have liked to seen what it looked like all put together but good work anyway.

[@jaypence332]

Maybe the person just sent in the mouth peice part for shipping cost.

[@TheOnespeedbiker]

First I too am impressed with all the hand work; so much is done by feel. As an aside the constant reworking is because of rebound and plastic (de)formation. When you have a substance like brass, when you hit it with a hammer, or try and bend it back in place, it will not stay in place but rebound slightly; if these instruments were a solid piece of metal you could simply over bend it so it would rebound to the correct position. Further, brass also tends to want to hold it's new deformed shape, so you have to constantly rework the metal to get it back to where you want it. Finally, there is the issue that when you hammer brass it will in a sense stretch (eg the walls will become thinner, so if the outside diameter remains the same, the piece will become longer). What this man does is truly an art form.

[@joemillson6284]

Your videos make me want to take on repair! I work as a band director at the moment. Always love working on the instruments at the school, as we don't have a repair shop on our island. Thanks for the tips and inspiration!

[@larrystockwell8994]

Wes, I don’t have a musical bone in my body. Couldn’t make music if my life depended on it. I am now retired from driving truck so you know I have a different look at things. What I do enjoy is watching a craftsman doing his work. It is impressive what you do with a bent up piece of metal. I stumbled on to your site and keep coming back to watch the magic happen. Thanks for your time and energy. Keep up the good work sir.

[@wilsonrawlin8547]

Your attention to details and carefully working the metal is incredible. I don't think most people realize just how delicate and touchy that metal can be.

[@Eupher6]

I'm always struck by the amount of hand strength that's needed to deal with these repairs. Much salute, Wes!

[@jjedijj]

real old school quality workmanship! great job, really amazes me the creased damage on instruments that you can repair.

[@josephbrewer7026]

I played trumpet in high school and teaching myself flute right now. Watching how you work these brass/silver instruments back from some nasty damage is both fascinating and satisfying. Take care of your hands and wrists. So much force needed to re-shape metal. Thanks for posting these wonderful videos.

[@BrightonsPriest]

I’d love to see this man do body work on a classic car. His metal knowledge is amazing

[@therealbadbob2201]

My dad was trained as a blacksmith in high school. When he was drafted and stationed in England he read every auto body book the library had. He is a remarkable body man, several car clubs would borrow him for rust work repair. He uses the same techniques. He always told me lighter hammering is better, you dont stretch the metal as much. Hence the tiny mallet. I really enjoy watching you work.

[@humbleguy4726]

Totally blown away. Knowing when to give pressure, feeling the piece, knowing where to tap with hammer, good eye, knowing the sounds of tapping, i never knew how much skill is needed in repairing but boy i do now. A craftsman of the highest order.

[@DeAnnaG_KissingFrogsMedia]

Very nice work! I’m envious of the Z roller. I used to make jewelry, I still have metal forming tool addictions. 🤣 You did worked a minor miracle.🎉

[@bluesinamajor]

You're like the Bob Ross of musical instrument repairs. I luv ya.

[@77Format]

In the late 80's I attended a music summer camp. As a quirky little flautist boy I think I wasn't cool enough in the eyes of older boys. So someone decided to smack my flute against the back of a chair and left the bent flute to be found by me. I was broken. Whole summer camp was ruined because I didn't have my instrument. The damage looked exactly like on the video and it got fixed. I wonder if there's another little kid whos music career you just managed to save by repairing that instrument. ❤ from Finland!

[@aguilayserpiente]

Virtuoso. It is pleasant to see the principles of sheet metal repair in various applications.

[@chrismcarthur542]

That’s just terrific, old-school craftsmanship. Strong work, amigo.

[@StrangelyIronic]

I'm a tool maker, machinist, and clockwork specialist. With that I do a lot of hand work with copper, brass, silver, etc. The line of "sometimes when working with old stuff you can't get a new part" rings extremely true with the watches, clocks, music boxes, vintage mechanical cameras, etc. I try to save everything possible and from there I make new what is needed using most of the same techniques that were used decades, or even centuries, ago to restore the item to great working condition. A like to think the few marks that may remain add character to an antique item that has seen multiple lifetimes of use.

[@markfreedman2470]

Your job, in next several thousand years will never be replaced with AI and robots. You are the master.

[@dirtywashedupsparkle]

I once tripped on a speaker tripod and trod on my flute, so the sight of that headjoint brings back similar feelings of horror! So good to see how this was repaired and appreciate the process that much more.

[@fredh54]

You answered a question that I had been thinking about for a while- work hardening. I'm a non-musician and untrained techie who thoroughly enjoys your videos.

[@tomsavage6911]

Just amazing craftsmanship. You are so diligent at what you do. I only wish I was closer to your shop. I love your videos. Thanks for posting.

[@iainking4256]

Mate another video demonstrating your incredible ability to bring a damaged instrument back to perfection. Keep these coming I thoroughly enjoy watching you skills. Cheers from kangaroo land.

[@cruzgutierrez2917]

Great job man🎊🎉 I admire people like you with dedication to their job. God bless you for real

[@carlosleonidaswibratt55]

Un genio!! quedo perfecta!! saludos desde Argentina!!

[@marchaller548]

Thank you, Wes, for your art and demonstration: you're the best !!!

[@lawrencebrown1133]

I recognize that your specialized tools play an important part, but I am amazed at your skills. Thanks for these great videos!

[@RobBob555]

Love to see people who can repair stuff this well 👌

[@jamesburnett7085]

Very impressive. I thought it looked impossible, but for you, no biggy.

[@wesleemusicrepair9820]

Thanks for following along. That instrument is being played now. Does my heart good

[@think2023]

A pleasure to watch thoughtful unhurried skilled work.

[@flionndawall]

I know this video is almost a year old, so you probably won't see this... But as a former flautist, I found this VERY interesting! I had done similar damage to my flute. Didn't have the damage to the tenon, but, about where that dent further up was on this one, mine was dented all the way to the other side... I had set it on my stand and turned to get my water, but I guess I bumped it or the stand and it fell of onto the leg of the stand (one of those fold up/travel style ones). I couldn't believe the shop got it out, though there was WAY worse of a scar than this one! Played just fine, though, so I was happy (and more importantly, my parents didn't have to kill me for making them buy me another one)! Always wondered how they did it! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@petercklauhk]

incredible As a flautist I always respect the flute repair specialist

[@brushbros]

I played French Horn (school's) and (my own) trumpet for six years in pubic schools in 50's and 60's. Whenever a student dropped their instrument, Mr. Morneau would calmly suggest "Leave it there so you don't drop it again." Our instruments were fresh every school year, new strings, drum heads, flute and clarinet and brass pads etc. You remind me of those of those times. I would work for you for free if I could.

[@louietesta3752]

Very impressive work, you are a master craftsmen, I really enjoyed watching your techniques.

[@bobdownes162]

Back in 1970, i was running through on my alto flute a composition before leaving to go to a studio to record the piece for an album of mine. After playing, I took the head off and shook out the spittle that was in it, and hit the edge of a door in doing so. Made quite a big dent as I''m sure, you can imagine. I picked up a broom, and with the handle, pushed the flute head onto it. It worked perfectly, The dent was no longer visible.

[@phazonclash]

I know nothing about instruments, I'm not a musician, and yet I'm here watching these videos and enjoying them 😆

[@edsherrod5216]

Wow - you are a true master craftsman! Great job!

[@donlum9128]

40% having the correct tools the rest is having the knowledge, patience, & expertise. Awesome

[@andrewfyakim525]

New subscriber here; just found your channel!... First, whatever you are doing to make your voice/volume so loud, PLEASE don't change a thing; you are one of the only people I can hear on KZbin!.... I'm a life-long musician (since 1958); I love and respect all musical instruments, as you seem to do.(I liked the Who's music, it made me sick every time I saw them smash their instruments on stage). I play, and own dozens of instruments (a couple could use your expertise!). I have 2 saxes, flutes, pianos, 12 guitars, harps, and most keyboards, But, I can't fix ANY of them... It's great knowing there is someone like you, out there doing what you are doing. If I were young once again, I would pay you, to become an apprentice. I hope you are able to pass your talent and passion on to some of the younger generation....

[@odiesclips7621]

Hands of a chiropractor, touch of a potter! You're the man.

[@Pazair-nq6gl]

😂 si, es bueno, Wes 👍

[@bgallasch]

Sad you're far too far away, but fun and pleasure to watch working you brillant on several instruments. Great job on the flute. Since I'm flutist myself the first image nearly gave me a heart stroke....

[@alexanderhelt738]

That was delightful to watch! Thank you!

[@MartynHutchby]

Quite astonished at the quality of your work! Amazing.

[@tallerdepercusionbrasilena7047]

you are very good at your job... congratulations... you work until the piece is like new, excellent.

[@geoffreysun8284]

Great artist !!

[@JimNichols]

I have zero interest in musical instruments repair, but that said you have created a metal working video that is interesting and informative about a subject you obviously are quite passionate about. Thanks fornthe ride along and the time and effort in all these quality videos you UL.

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

That was a treat. Thanks for taking time to make the video.

[@koblih69]

The result is pretty nice, thanks for sharing!

[@dkd1228]

Thanks for the great demonstration of planishing technique.

[@martyg374]

Nice job! I have repair training, machine shop experience, and have watched my own repairman at work. I am sure tube diameter is critical to intonation! I have done very little dent work as a high school band director.

[@nicksavage4763]

Your Skill and Know How is impressive. That comes from EXPERIENCE. Hours Spent hands on. There is no substitute and no machine By itself could do it. When Instruments suffer damage, You don’t have to junk them. Unless deliberately damaged, most Damage can be repaired by someone With the skills and right tools. Thanks for sharing a little of what Goes on behind the scenes.🎷

[@tymeryder7264]

Interesting tools and your skill at your craft. The most important tool seems to be patience, which you have a case full. Well done.

[@timfowler4642]

Great skill & talent.

[@lyecats]

Camera work is fantastic!

[@marcusdawe4475]

This is amazing - I'm a flute player from the uk - just got into repair last year. Any advice for someone starting out?

[@brickshotted]

Sometimes you have to love the youtube algorithms. This is the kind of work and skill needed, that if someone asks how much force is you're using, the answer is always just enough😁😁

[@007camera]

Perfect job, thanx for sharing! 👏🏻👍🏻

[@gabrielecavallari8930]

Wow che lavoro.. Complimenti sei un vero artista 👍🙏

[@rickr530]

That repair probably cost as much as a new headjoint but I love the craftsmanship of this repair.

[@SilverSpur1]

you're a genius! thanks for the video, at least I know how flute and brass instrument service looks like. I am a flutist, beginner.

[@ivorwm2291]

Amazing job

[@michaelstaadt8012]

This reminded me of an old Generation brass tin whistle in"D" I sat on back in 1984. I straightened it by forcing a 7.62 Nato cartridge through the bore of the whistle. Never got out all the creases that way but it was perfectly straight and playable afterwards, in fact still is.

[@dirkboriskestel8499]

Great work!

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

I still say auto body guys have nothing on you. Nothing to hide behind but buffing compound amazing. Thanks for sharing 👍.

[@chrisstaylor8377]

Great skills well done

[@bkingfstrd]

You sir are a magician!

[@saxmusicmail]

Customer: How did you fix this??? Wes: Magic!

[@Pazair-nq6gl]

De hecho, él es "magic Wes" 😂. Salud 🤙

[@stephenhujsa5050]

Interesting work

[@jorgetoros6741]

Espectacular trabajo

[@tackanderson4270]

Bravo! Very nice..👌

[@danhoenigman2757]

Great job. But late in my 44 year career I discovered that spinning it out on the lathe (like a trumpet bell is made) is much faster and gets a great result.

[@brucewilliams6292]

Your work is excellent. Thank you for sharing your trade.

[@DMDAUTOLLC]

This is so satisfying to watch I used to play baritone in middle school I always kept mine perfect tho

[@Quadstriker]

That was one hell of a crease to start out with!

[@wesleemusicrepair9820]

Still trying to figure out how they did it

[@henryjames3580]

Great video

[@logotrikes]

Really good fettling dude, one happy customer guaranteed...

[@OneOfDisease]

Does this work harden the metal or would this flute be softer in that spot and be more likely to bend in the future? I grew up learning the flute in the 5th grade and it pains me to see such damage but you did it a service bringing it back up to standard.

[@Wolfiecolada]

any working is going to "harden" the area making it more brittle. this is just so very thin, it's going to be all the way through most likely as well vs just at the surface like a peen.

[@rossthefiddler5890]

Thanks for showing us your process of straightening out that flute head. I guess I was lucky to be able to straighten a couple of (ex private school, NSW) Armstrong flutes that had been sat on using some spare sound post material for a double bass. It gave us a couple of nice enough flutes to enjoy when I had finished cleaning, lubricating & adjusting them (I still need to change the pads though for them to be better). I'll stick to working on violin family of instruments for anyone else though. 🙂

[@wileycoyotesr8623]

You have a fun and obviously rewarding profession. I'm going with the headjoint getting caught in a car door.

[@wesleemusicrepair9820]

Never a dull moment!

[@user-s9207]

What a wonderful dwarf!

[@donproton9770]

You've done an excellent job!

[@larsfrandsen2501]

Great channel!

[@grahamhall2662]

Great lesson, thank you. I don't understand how you took a deep crease out and ended up with a smaller diameter than the original? If I had tried that I would have probably ended up with a bell end! How did you achieve that?

[@therealbadbob2201]

With the right technique you can shrink the metal.

[@andyteague2521]

just started watching amazing content

[@georgefrench1907]

Nice result.

[@fabianoroma1597]

Awesome!

[@mahlergustav5256]

Great job! If you dont mind,please take a video to introduce you repair tools. I espescialy interested in that joint expanding tools.

[@wesleemusicrepair9820]

Thanks for watching. Yes, I will do that

[@Peter4253]

Fabulous repair, great to watch you working and wow do you have some tooling in that workshop👍💪

[@EeekItsSnek]

I've officially watched just about every one of your videos over the last 2 weeks. I need more. I hate to see broken instruments, but I love watching them get fixed. Not often I watch non-prospecting/science videos this religiously. You've got a special talent, a wonderful attitude about your profession, and a knack for communicating. Thanks for being you, Wes 🙃

[@krikorarnelian2909]

amazing job

[@BrianEller-begrafx]

I just happened across your videos as one of KZbin's suggestions. It's amazing to watch you work. I think the first one I saw was one where you were repairing a badly beaten French Horn. I watched, mainly out of curiosity, "How on earth is he going to fix THAT?" I expected to see a lot of heating and shaping. I've watched a few of your videos now, and I don't think I've yet seen you use heat. I'm curious where you learned your craft.

[@Atochabsh]

Been a repair tech for over 20 years, but have not repaired in about 6 years. I am enjoying seeing your solutions and work. I miss the work, but could not make a living in CA and being a sub contractor. LOL "sometimes you have to fix this old stuff".....can you say Olds Valve Trombones?

[@robertdeen8741]

Be careful what you wish for. Most of the work is student stuff. The same bent bridge keys on clarinets. Bent octave keys on saxophones. Pushed in 2nd valve slides trumpets. Can get boring after a while. Rarely does one get a nice Old Selmer Mk6 or Mt Vernon Bach trumpet. You'd be surprised how much tools cost and almost every job requires a special tool. Parts a worse. Sax pads in mm sizes from around 5 or 6 up to the huge ones for baritone sax's. Then they come in different thicknesses and then different resonators if any. That's just for sax. There's pads for flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon and pics. Thousands of different springs if ya pile them all together from water key to needle. Water key corks. One can spend a few thousands just on parts and the next day someone will walk in with something you don't have. It's very hard to establish a private owned shop. Working for a store is usually easier in that sense but then you have to deal with the owners who are often clueless as to what you really do. Once worked at a store owned by a husband and wife. I noticed the wife had brass earrings that were dull. I asked her if she'd like me to polish them. She says, "can you do that?" I'm thinking, you have no idea what you pay me for.

[@alistairryman3884]

I don't play any thing . But the way you repair things is aursome ,well impressed, keep up the good work.😁

[@lotsabirds]

Looks Great!

[@erniearruda8861]

Good work there Wes. Now you are missing the tunes to go with that de-dent. Like Laying pipe by David Wilcox😂👍🏻

[@flashgarage]

Не понимаю ни слова, но смотрю с удовольствием

[@Thedreadedflutist]

I’m a flutist and this hurt my soul. How did someone dent that headjoint like that

[@dl3178]

He has hands like a midwife and works so sensitively, I'm fascinated

[@Pazair-nq6gl]

😂 si, trabaja fino. Salud 🤙

[@LaTigerGenesis]

The Ron Covell of Jamming