Flute Headjoint Restoration- Band Instrument Repair- Wes Lee Music

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 🙃

[@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.

[@Eupher6]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@BrightonsPriest]

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

[@markfreedman2470]

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

[@chrismcarthur542]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.🎉

[@lawrencebrown1133]

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

[@aguilayserpiente]

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

[@bluesinamajor]

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

[@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.

[@marchaller548]

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

[@cruzgutierrez2917]

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

[@odiesclips7621]

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

[@Pazair-nq6gl]

😂 si, es bueno, Wes 👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@sebastiaojuliano5013]

Hello, I was impressed with your work and I think as you said at the end of the video. I'm an apprentice Luthier on wind instruments. it is a brilliant profession. What fascinates me most is thinking outside the box. I'm an electronics technician, but I love repairing dentist handpieces and I'm increasingly passionate about repairing wind musical instruments. I'm a flute student, I love the sound of this instrument. Congratulations, you are very good!!!!

[@think2023]

A pleasure to watch thoughtful unhurried skilled work.

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

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

[@jjedijj]

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

[@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!

[@vincentwesolowski459]

I just found this video and I really enjoy watching a craftsman in his or her trade.

[@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.

[@donlum9128]

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

[@edsherrod5216]

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

[@alexanderhelt738]

That was delightful to watch! Thank you!

[@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.

[@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....

[@phazonclash]

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

[@louietesta3752]

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

[@RobBob555]

Love to see people who can repair stuff this well 👌

[@MrMattDat]

Beautiful work Wes! Really incredible!!

[@MrMattDat]

@@mrfarts5176 What the heck is that about??

[@carlosleonidaswibratt55]

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

[@petercklauhk]

incredible As a flautist I always respect the flute repair specialist

[@gabrielecavallari8930]

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

[@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

[@lyecats]

Camera work is fantastic!

[@MartynHutchby]

Quite astonished at the quality of your work! Amazing.

[@macaroniwithoutcheese175]

As a student, I recently had to do a repair similar to this, but not nearly as bad. Being at a school, I just stuck a drumstick in the vice and used that as my mandril. Ended up working out really well. Thanks for the info Wes.

[@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.🎷

[@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.

[@geoffreysun8284]

Great artist !!

[@koblih69]

The result is pretty nice, thanks for sharing!

[@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....

[@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😁😁

[@dkd1228]

Thanks for the great demonstration of planishing technique.

[@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.

[@bkingfstrd]

You sir are a magician!

[@gwiyomikim5988]

That was great! Very nice work.

[@frenchcreekvalley]

Boy, that brass sure is malleable! I'm a bit of a blacksmith but I have worked with some types of brass, copper and sterling and all of them work harden considerably faster compared to what I see here. All I can say about your knowledge and your skill level is "Wow!"

[@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.

[@timfowler4642]

Great skill & talent.

[@tallerdepercusionbrasilena7047]

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

[@logotrikes]

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

[@rickr530]

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

[@Peter4253]

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

[@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.

[@donproton9770]

You've done an excellent job!

[@007camera]

Perfect job, thanx for sharing! 👏🏻👍🏻

[@jorgetoros6741]

Espectacular trabajo

[@marcusdawe4475]

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

[@brucewilliams6292]

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

[@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.

[@chrisstaylor8377]

Great skills well done

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

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

[@ivorwm2291]

Amazing job

[@andyteague2521]

just started watching amazing content

[@powerbatterychannel4315]

Amazing job!

[@tackanderson4270]

Bravo! Very nice..👌

[@larsfrandsen2501]

Great channel!

[@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

[@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.

[@henryjames3580]

Great video

[@sailorcto]

Love these videos, a true craftsman! It's killing me that at the end, there are no before and after pictures. Ever consider that?

[@alistairryman3884]

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

[@user-s9207]

What a wonderful dwarf!

[@abrahampaige6331]

Very nice work, as always. Do you have any videos on brass/silver patches for an instrument. Gauge thickness, forming techniques, etc.?

[@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.

[@Quadstriker]

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

[@wesleemusicrepair9820]

Still trying to figure out how they did it

[@DMDAUTOLLC]

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

[@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.

[@stephenhujsa5050]

Interesting work

[@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.

[@lotsabirds]

Looks Great!

[@krikorarnelian]

amazing job

[@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!

[@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.

[@theresachacon1122]

I have a friend and he likes to sometimes do sword movements with his flute. He was doing these one time during marching band practice and his head joint ended up slipping out of the body and falling onto the asphalt. He luckily had a second flute that he could use for the rest of the season.

[@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.