The Flute Whisperer repair service

05/16/2026

Today I am working on a very special instrument. As I opened it, I immediately recognized a familiar setup — the unmistakable traces of my mentor and teacher, the person who first guided me into flute repair.

Back in 1997, when most technicians used only paper shims for padding, he was already creating vinyl bag shims by hand with a punch tool for Straubinger padding. Beyond that, he shared countless ideas and inspirations that deeply influenced the way I approach flute repair.

It has now been nearly 30 years since I began this journey, yet the foundation of my work today is still built upon his teaching and guidance.

May 15th is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in Korea, and through this instrument that I happened to encounter today, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the teacher who taught me so much.

Mr. Jungsoo Ahn, thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart. ————————————————————오늘 특별한 악기를 수리하게 되었다. 악기를 열어보는 순간, 내 눈에 익숙한 세팅이 들어왔다. 내가 처음 플루트 수리를 시작했을 때 멘토이자 스승이셨던 분의 손길과 자취였다.

1997년, 대부분이 종이 심(shim)만 사용하던 시절에 선생님께서는 직접 펀치로 비닐 백을 만들어 Straubinger 패딩에 적용하셨다. 그뿐만 아니라 수많은 아이디어와 영감을 통해 내게 플루트 수리에 대한 깊은 가르침과 영향을 주셨다.

플루트 수리를 시작한 지도 어느덧 30년이 되어가지만, 지금도 내가 하는 모든 수리의 바탕에는 선생님의 가르침이 자리하고 있다.

5월 15일은 한국의 스승의 날이다. 마침 우연히 만나게 된 이 악기를 통해, 내게 많은 가르침을 주셨던 선생님께 감사의 마음을 전하고 싶다.

안정수 선생님, 진심으로 감사드립니다.

04/12/2026

Missing a ring? No worries we will make one just for you.

03/15/2026

A full restoration has been completed on this 100+ year-old wood flute.

During the inspection, cracks were discovered at the D # tone hole on the foot joint and on the head joint. After carefully repairing these cracks, the instrument underwent a complete overhaul.

The flute has been repadded with Pisoni Traditional Felt Pads to maintain a warm, authentic response.

02/23/2026

A homemade G donut make the high E note more stable and easier to play

02/23/2026

02/23/2026

A Home made G donut. Make the high E note more stable and easier to play

12/31/2025

Dear Valued Clients,

As the year comes to a close, I would like to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to you.

Although I run my flute repair business on my own and have not been able to invest much in advertising or promotion, my business has continued to grow and move forward thanks entirely to you—my clients—and your generous word-of-mouth support. Your trust and kindness have been the greatest source of encouragement and motivation for me.

I am truly thankful for your support throughout 2025, and I look forward to continuing this journey together in 2026. It is an honor to care for your instruments, and I deeply appreciate the opportunity to do so.

Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, healthy, and joyful New Year.

With heartfelt thanks,

Eric Hong

12/02/2025

I’ve been too busy to post updates for a while, but today I’m sharing a project from last summer—an overhaul (without polishing) of an old Haynes D-flat piccolo.
This instrument is very special to the owner, but the left-hand steel had been damaged by someone, tapered down at the end, which caused severe key play and unstable movement. In addition, the king post bearing and the bearing on the steel rod side were heavily worn, so I made a new steel and reshaped the post bearings.

The end play on the G key was also excessive, so I replaced the tube on the lug side with a longer one.
Although this piccolo is over 100 years old, I’m happy that the work has given it a new life. The owner is very pleased and continues to play it regularly.

11/25/2025

Love their bullet shape pivot bearings

03/05/2025

I’ve been busy lately, so I haven’t updated my story in a while. But every day, I truly love working on my customers’ flutes! This particular flute was restored last year—it was a real challenge, but the result was absolutely beautiful. I’m so happy to have brought this beauty back to life!