THE WORKSHOP

How long has "La mécanique des flûtes" been labeled as "Atelier fleuri de France"?
Since July 2025 — but this label doesn't actually exist :D

 

How long has "La mécanique des flûtes" been open?
Since June 2020.

 

How can I get my flute or piccolo repaired?
Call +33 1 78 85 50 92 to make an appointment. I will let you know my next available slots.

I can give you a price estimate over the phone, but I need to see the instrument to provide an accurate quote.

I usually keep the instrument for three days for a COA, and one to two weeks for an overhaul.

Opening hours are from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays, with a break from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, and from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturdays.

How do I get to the workshop by car?
Via the N118 or A10. The workshop is located in Orsay, 25 km southwest of Paris. Parking is available in front of the gate.

 

How do I get to the workshop by public transport?
Take the RER B and get off at Orsay-ville, Le Guichet, or Lozère. It’s about a 20-minute walk from each.

• From Lozère: scenic but hilly.

• From Le Guichet: some stairs, but you might see ducks or even a heron.

• From Orsay-ville: flat and more urban, with nearby shops. Bus line 1 also drops you off at the corner of the street if you prefer not to walk. It runs between Lozère and Orsay-ville.

 

And then?
Ring the bell, and you'll access the workshop directly behind the house.

My workshop is at home, but it's entirely dedicated to the work and to welcoming clients.

 

What payment methods are accepted?
Credit card, check, bank transfer, cash. No deposit is required. For amounts over €250, an instant transfer is preferred

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Do you repair saxophones / clarinets / oboes / English horns / bassoons?
Yes, I can handle emergency fixes (stuck key, crack repair, etc.). But I don’t do overhauls or full/partial pad replacements for those instruments.

 

SERVICES

What makes you a specialist in flutes and piccolos?
I trained in flute repair and manufacturing at Parmenon, then worked at Flûtes Roosen, where I repaired concert flutes, piccolos, alto flutes, bass flutes, and even sub-bass flutes. I also completed the Pettry Piccolos training to deepen my expertise with this instrument.

Since founding "La mécanique des flûtes," I have worked with many professional flutists, including conservatory professors and soloists from major orchestras. I also work with students and amateurs — everyone is welcome.

I keep pad stock for all types of flutes and piccolos, including alto, bass, and historical flutes. Pads and other materials are always replaced identically or upgraded, with the client’s agreement.

 

Do you have Straubinger pads?
Yes! I have been Straubinger-certified since 2024. You must complete training with Joel Straubinger to be authorized to purchase and install these pads.

 

Do you have Muramatsu pads?
Yes, I can install and replace Muramatsu pads. I use all the specific materials needed to meet their manufacturing standards.

 

Can you re-pad my piccolo with cork pads?
Yes. I can re-pad all keys with cork, or just the G#, thumb, and trill keys, which are more exposed to condensation.

 

Can you overhaul a vintage flute (19th to early 20th century)?
Yes, but I no longer accept new clients for this type of work.

 

Do you adjust instruments without cleaning them?
Not ideal. I prefer to disassemble and clean the instrument thoroughly, as dirt negatively affects the pads and mechanism. It also gives me the chance to inspect everything properly.

 

Do you re-pad flutes without adjusting the mechanism?
No. I always re-pad on a properly adjusted mechanism, to ensure a fresh start.

 

Do you rent out instruments?
Not yet.

 

Do you repair low-end instruments like Eagletone / Antoine Sonnet / Roy Benson / very cheap new models?
I can take a look, but these instruments are not made to last or to be repaired. They often have serious structural flaws that cannot be improved and affect regulation at the very least. There is a reason they are cheap: they are simply poor quality.

 

Do you offer training?

Not yet.

 

DOMI

What’s that accent?
Quebecois. I’m from Montreal but have lived in France since 2008.

 

Do you play the flute?
I first learned the oboe in my youth, then took up the flute as an adult.

 

What did you do before?
I worked in radio, television, and print media for 15 years as a researcher, archivist, graphic designer, and copy editor.

 

Do you have formal training in instrument making?
Yes, I hold a full-time CAP and a BMA (Brevet des métiers d’art) in instrument making, both awarded by Itemm. That’s three years of specialized education.

 

Can you make a living from this?
Absolutely! Expect a wait time of 3 to 4 months for an appointment at "La mécanique des flûtes."