Repair Shop ruined my flute, are they responsible?

Question

I took my flute to the local repair shop for a simple case of bent keys and I just got it back. The keys are good, but there's a new issue with random keys that go down when I press a key. I'm fairly certain they botched the repair job since I haven't done anything but play a chromatic scale and drop a flute doesn't cause random keys to go down when they're not supposed to. Is the repair shop responsible for fixing my flute at no cost since they broke it?

Answer 1

The tech missed putting some springs back or tightened a couple post screws too tight. If this is a reputable shop, he'll fix it (free) and do so in about 15 minutes.

Sometimes when you put one back together after working on it, you tighten the screws according to the temperature in the shop. But, if it's hot in the shop, when the instrument cools to "normal" the screws will be too tight and what should only move one key will move several at once.

It's not really a botched repair job or broken as much as it needs a few more adjustments.

You should be particular about the repair on your instrument and a professional technician really won't mind you bringing it back for an adjustment (or two or three). He wants you to be happy with his work.

Note: When I have my flute serviced (at least every year), it usually takes me three visits to finally have it exactly as I want it. I like for my flute to be able to handle a very light touch and I expect it to clearly respond to all four Cs (and high E) immediately. My repair tech likes to see me - it's people like us who go to the shop that feeds his family. :-)

Answer 2

You take it back to the repair shop and let them, know what was unsatisfactory, then they can take up with the paint shop. If the repair was unsatisfactory, why did you accept it and pay for it. It makes it sound like you are just trying to get some money back without giving the paint shop the chance to correct it.

Answer 3

I'd take it back & have them repair it for free.