Wes Huisinga, Flute Consultant - 800-926-5587

Wes Huisinga graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in oboe performance and also has attended Thomas Stacy English horn seminars. He has played with many regional orchestras, including five years with the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra. Wes does woodwind doubling in musical theater orchestras and has played with Theater Latté Da, Chanhassen Dinner Theaters and Southern Theatre. He can throw fabulous dinner parties if so inclined.

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

Rates for U.S. (lower 48 states):
We are offering free standard shipping on all accessory orders until further notice.

USPS Priority Mail Rates for U.S. (lower 48 states):
$0-$50.................. $9.00
$50.01-100............ $10.00
$Over 100.00.......... $11.00

UPS Ground Rates for U.S. (lower 48 states):
$0-$50.................. $14.00
$50.01-100............ $15.00
$Over 100.00.......... $16.00

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 generous two-week trial for most instruments at MMI, new or used. Fox Renard bassoons and Lorée oboes, new and used, can be tested for one-week-only to help us accommodate all of our customers. 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 all that is needed to secure the trial. 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. Shipping/insurance charges for new instruments shipped in the U.S. are as follows: $33 for one oboe, $42 for two, and $54 for three. English horns: $36 for one, $47 for two, and $61 for three EHs. Shipping for one bassoon is $44, and $68 for two. Shipping for one contrabassoon is $95. (These shipping prices are calculated for UPS GROUND service. Please call for faster shipping service rates.) 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. A small discount may be available if an instrument is paid for by check. We do not allow the free two-week trial arrangement outside 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. We can accept a certified check in U.S. funds (call or e-mail for details).

Alternative Trial Instrument Return Shipping Method

If at the end of an instrument trial period, you need to return one or more instruments, MMI is now offering a more convenient return solution for you. At your request, we can charge your credit card and process a UPS Call Tag that a UPS driver will use to pick up the packaged instrument(s) at an appropriate location. The package must be packed the same way it was shipped to you and it must be ready at a location where someone will be present when the Call Tag/UPS driver arrives. The charge would include shipping, insurance, pick up and processing fee. The cost for the UPS Call Tag/Pick Up Service in the continental U.S. is as follows:

Oboes/Flutes: $68 for one, $77 for two, and $89 for three
English horns: $71 for one, $82 for two, and $96 for three

Bassoons: $79 for one, and $103 for two

Contrabassoon: $130 for one
Bb Clarinets: $68 for one, $77 for two, and $89 for three
Alto Saxophones: $79 for one, $103 for two, $138 for three

This may be a more convenient and less expensive alternative to other shipping services. Please call for more information or to request this service.

Return/Exchange Policy

We want you to be happy with everything you purchase from us! If an item is not satisfactory, it can be returned for a credit or exchange within 14 days, provided it has not been altered, damaged or used. Knives that have been sharpened, sharpening stones that have been used, and half-processed tube cane are examples of things that cannot be returned. The return policy includes all accessory items except tube cane, shaper tips, sheet music, CDs, non-defective processed cane and reeds (which cannot be returned for health reasons). Of course, any defective product can be returned. There is a $5 restock fee and every return must by accompanied by a copy of the original invoice. For orders sent outside the U.S. or Canada, we cannot accept returns - all sales are final.

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. Turnaround times vary, but we do our best to return instruments as quickly as possible.

Extended Warranty Policy

In addition to the current warranties on the purchase of new instruments, we are now offering the following:

Additional 1-year: $270
Additional 2-year: $525

These extended warranties are only available at the time of purchase of new instruments.

Payment Options

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.

MMI takes privacy and data protection issues seriously. We do not sell or give away your private information. Our on-line shopping cart uses the most advanced encrypted security features, so you can be assured of a safe on-line shopping experience. If you would like to stop receiving email or mailings from us, please contact us by phone, email or mail to be removed from future mailings. 

Instrument Appraisals

For a $25 fee, MMI will supply a letter for insurance purposes, which states the replacement value of an instrument. This service is free for instruments purchased through MMI. 

Our Hours

Mon-Th: 9AM - 6PM
Friday: 9AM - 5PM
Saturdays: 10AM - 2PM
Sunday: Closed
Central Time

Instrument trials by appointment

Questions?

NEW LOWER PRICES!  We've recently lowered prices on hundreds of products to serve you better.  In addition to our standard friendly, knowledgeable service,  we are offering free shipping on accessory orders (within the USA).

We will be open on Saturday, September 4th from 10am-2pm,
but closed on Monday, September 6th for Labor Day.