General Flute Keywork Options and Descriptions

The (inline G) / (offset G) option refers to the location of the G key on the flute. On an inline G flute the G key is located in the same plane as the other keys on the flute. On an offset G flute the G keys are moved toward the palm so that it is easier for the fourth finger to reach the G key. An offset G reduces the amount of twisting in the left wrist and makes the flute more ergonomic.

The High E Facilitator is a small ring, aka a donut, that is inserted into the lower of the G holes which makes the High E speak easily. It can be added to a flute after it is manufactured.

The Split E is another mechanism that helps solve high E's problems. This solution splits the G key and closes the lower hole, but not the upper when you finger high E. This makes a high E extremely easy to play, but it does make some alternate fingerings impossible.

The C# trill is the flutist's answer to trilling between C and C#. The mechanism places a full size tone hole at the appropriate place for a C# on the flute which is controlled by the first finger on the right hand. It provides a wonderful C# if you have time to get to it, and facilitates many trills.

The roller on the D# key makes it easier for your little finger to slide around on the footjoint. It facilitates sliding between the D# and C3. This option beats using nose grease.

Closeout on Flute Music

Shipping Information for Accessory Orders

Standard Rates for U.S. (lower 48 states):
$0-$50.................. $5.25
$50.01-100............ $6.50
$100.01-150.00...... $7.50
$150.01-325.00...... $8.75
$325.01+ .............. Free

USPS Priority Mail Rates for U.S. (lower 48 states):
$0-$50.................. $10.25
$50.01-100............ $11.50
$100.01-150.00...... $12.50
$150.01-325.00...... $13.75
$325.01+ .............. Free

UPS Ground Rates for U.S. (lower 48 states):
$0-$50.................. $17.25
$50.01-100............ $18.50
$100.01-150.00...... $19.50
$150.01-325.00...... $20.75
$325.01+ .............. Free

To place an order requiring Express Mail or OVERNIGHT UPS shipping, please call us at 800-926-5587. (Express and OVERNIGHT shipping options will not be available in our On-Line Shopping Cart. We need to confirm shipping details and charges by phone.) MMI cannot guarantee that all orders will be able to go out the same day they are received. However, we will do our best to ship orders same-day for customers with special shipping needs. Other shipping methods may be available - please feel free to call for details.

 International Orders - MMI requires that international shipments be prepaid by the customer (by bank draft in U.S. funds) before leaving our shop. International customers are responsible for any customs duties or sales taxes that may be due upon delivery. For sales made to customers outside of the U.S. and Canada, all sales are considered final - no returns will be allowed. Note: For international orders (excluding Canada), we can no longer accept credit cards as a method of payment. We can accept a certified check in U.S. funds (call or e-mail for details).

Policies

Instrument Trials

We offer a one-week trial for instruments at MMI, new or used.  The one-week-policy helps us accommodate all of our customers. (An extension may be available.)  Up to three oboes, 3 English horns, or two bassoons can be tried at one time, in order to compare different models or to pick the best particular instrument of one model. A valid credit card is needed to secure the trial. For your convenience we do not require a security deposit or a hold on your card for the full value of the instruments, but we do require a reference from a teacher or colleague. For security purposes we also require that instrument trials are shipped to the billing address of the credit card.

All shipping charges are to be paid by the customer, whether or not an instrument is purchased. You may try as many instruments as you like, as long as you are willing to pay the shipping charges.  

Please call us for current shipping rates for instrument/bocal trials.

 If you do not use our return service you must insure instruments for their full value when returning to our shop. Trial period extensions are sometimes possible if you are having trouble making the final decision. Please note that sometimes there is a waiting list for certain instruments that are in high demand (especially used instruments). If you decide to purchase an instrument, payment can be made by credit card (MC, VISA, Discover, American Express), check, or money order.  We do not allow trials outside of the U.S. Please call for further information.

For international orders (excluding Canada), we can no longer accept credit cards as a method of payment. International instrument and bocal orders must be paid in full by wire transfer in advance of shipping the instrument, any wire transfer fees are the responsibility of the customer. All international sales are final.  (call or e-mail for details).

Return/Exchange Policy

Warranty on New Instruments

MMI provides a 2-year crack and 1-year adjustment warranty for all new oboes and English horns, and a 2-year warranty for all new bassoons. An MMI warranty covers all necessary repairs and routine maintenance during normal wear of the instrument. These repairs include, but are not limited to: crack repair, pad replacement, tuning, re-corking, and mechanism adjustments. Repairs necessary due to abuse, negligence, or incompetent repairs done by outside repair shops are not covered under the warranty. The warranty is only applicable to the original owner of the instrument. All repairs must be done at MMI or the manufacturer's location, unless authorized by MMI. Failure to do this may void the warranty. Please call MMI at 800-926-5587 before sending instruments in for repair to the manufacturer or to our shop. Shipping costs to MMI are to be paid by the customer, and MMI will pay for the shipping costs to return the instrument during the first 6 months after purchase. Insurance costs are the owner's responsibility. Please allow at least one or two weeks for repairs. If repair work is being done under warranty, we can offer a rental instrument at half the normal monthly rate, pro-rated to the repair (depending on availability). Turnaround times vary, but we do our best to return instruments as quickly as possible.

Extended Warranty Policy

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover,and American Express as well as personal and certified checks. Please allow 1-2 weeks (shipping delay) for processing personal checks.

Instrument Appraisals

Our Hours

Holiday Hours 2011:
CLOSED: Saturday, December 24 | Monday, December 26
Regular hours: December 27-30
CLOSED: Saturday, December 31 | Monday - Wednesday January 2, 3, 4
Non-Holiday Hours resume Thursday, January 5.

Regular Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9AM - 5PM
Saturdays: 10AM - 2PM.
Sunday: Closed
Central Time

Instrument trials by appointment

Questions?

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