Is it worth the cost...........

[Fotofavoloso]

I have an Armstrong 80B which I purchased back in 1975. I have taken very good care of it. It does not play below low G.

Is it worth getting it repaired (and keep it as a second or back up flute) or should I sell it for the silver content?

If the consensus is repair......then who would you recommend?

Your opinion is requested and appreciated.

Wishing all my flute friends a happy and healthy holiday season.

Ciao,
Mark

[pied_piper]

I have an Armstrong 80 that I have kept as a backup flute to my primary Muramatsu. I played mine for many years before I upgraded. The 80B is not a great flute, but it is a good solid flute. In perfect playing condition, it might be worth about $500. If it's not playing below G, it might need just a pad or two or some adjustments but it could also need a full repad. However, if the flute needs a full repad, it can cost as much as it's worth. Get the flute inspected by a flute repair tech and ask for an estimate. Only you can decide if it's worth the cost of repair. If you like the 80B, get it repaired and keep it.

[Fotofavoloso]

I have an Armstrong 80 that I have kept as a backup flute to my primary Muramatsu. I played mine for many years before I upgraded. The 80B is not a great flute, but it is a good solid flute. In perfect playing condition, it might be worth about $500. If it's not playing below G, it might need just a pad or two or some adjustments but it could also need a full repad. However, if the flute needs a full repad, it can cost as much as it's worth. Get the flute inspected by a flute repair tech and ask for an estimate. Only you can decide if it's worth the cost of repair. If you like the 80B, get it repaired and keep it.

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

In the time since I first posted this thread I came to the conclusion that it was not worth the cost of an overhaul/repairing.

In my search for a back up flute I came across a really nice Yamaha 285Sii for $99. The head joint was badly dented, but it played wonderfully with my Armstrong head joint. So I am having it tweaked and the Armstrong head joint properly fitted (it was a bit loose) and WALLA....I will have my back up flute. As for the rest of the Armstrong.......well.....how much is the spot price of silver these days \

Wishing all my flute friends a happy and healthy holiday season.

Ciao,
Mark

[pied_piper]

Well, today pure silver is quoted at $14.18/oz. I just weighed my 80 and it is just a smidge over 16 oz. On the 80, only the head and body tube is sterling. So you would have to subtract out the weight of all of the rest: the keys, the steel hinges and pivot screws, the crown, and the head cork assembly. I would guess that would leave maybe 4 oz of sterling (which is 92.5% silver) leaving you with maybe 3.7 oz of pure silver.

Therefore: $14.18 * 3.7 = $52.47

Since sterling silver is not pure, it requires smelting to separate the metals which reduces its value from that of pure silver. So, you'd have to figure that cost into what's left and maybe you've got $25 of silver.

Now you just have to find someone willing to pay you $25 for it (less shipping).

[Fotofavoloso]

Well, today pure silver is quoted at $14.18/oz. I just weighed my 80 and it is just a smidge over 16 oz. On the 80, only the head and body tube is sterling. So you would have to subtract out the weight of all of the rest: the keys, the steel hinges and pivot screws, the crown, and the head cork assembly. I would guess that would leave maybe 4 oz of sterling (which is 92.5% silver) leaving you with maybe 3.7 oz of pure silver.

Therefore: $14.18 * 3.7 = $52.47

Since sterling silver is not pure, it requires smelting to separate the metals which reduces its value from that of pure silver. So, you'd have to figure that cost into what's left and maybe you've got $25 of silver.

Now you just have to find someone willing to pay you $25 for it (less shipping).

LOL.......I really do appreciate your sense of humor

My wife thinks it might make a unique lamp..........might give that a try.

Live long and prosper my friend.

Ciao,
Mark