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Hear from our Customers
Discover what our customers have to say about their experience with us.
Julie Ranti
Former Associate Principal Flute,
Toronto Symphony Orchestra
“Thank goodness Toronto is lucky enough to have Jay Gemmill! When I was growing up in Montréal we used to have to drive to Vermont to get my flute fixed! I think about that every time I'm driving to Jay's house: how fortunate that Toronto has a top notch flute repairman, always willing and able to attend to all my flute repairs and emergencies with expertise and a smile."
Nora Shulman
Flute Faculty, Glenn Gould School,
Adjunct Associate Professor,
University of Toronto
"Jay is simply a superb and resourceful flute repairman. He keeps my flute in perfect working order and responds promptly to flute emergencies. He was instrumental in helping me recover from a serious injury by modifying my flute. He is both creative and knowledgeable, which is the perfect combination of attributes in flute repair. I look forward to my visits with Jay, not just because he is so pleasant and I enjoy the laughs we share, but also because I know my flute is in the very best of hands."
Les Allt
Principal Flute,
National Ballet
of Canada
“I've been going to Jay for well over a decade. He's very knowledgeable [not just about instruments!] and his repair work is always exemplary, as well as timely and usually spot-on the first time. It's a rare occasion when I have to go back to have something tweaked. He's very accommodating when it comes to emergencies as well. I will not willingly go anywhere else for my instruments!”
Susan Hoeppner
​Soloist, Recording artist, Wm.S.Haynes Artist,
Faculty of Music of
The Glenn Gould School and University of Toronto
“I have known HJ for several years, both as a teacher and now as a friend. I have been constantly impressed with her work ethic and integrity. I know that she has trained with the best, Jay Gemmill of the Ontario Flute Centre and she has done some work on my flute now as well. She is extremely patient, kind, open and one of the most beautiful personalities I've met. I would highly recommend HJ for any work on professional or intermediate flutes alike. Her work is solid and true. She is making her mark in the world of flute repair!"
Terry Lim
International Artist,
Trevor James Flutes and Beaumont Music
Artistic Director, Caledon Music Festival
"It is with great pleasure and without reservation that I write to recommend HJ as, possibly, the finest repairman and “flutician” in the area. It really takes an artist to fully comprehend the needs of an artist. HJ’s knowledge, experience and expertise are simply unparalleled. Her openness, honesty, and sheer expertise put her in a class by herself."
Sarah Pollard
Assistant Principal Flute & Piccolo of The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
“I have been taking my flute and piccolo to Jay Gemmill for their annual COA service since 2013. My instruments are always returned in excellent condition. HJ took over my COA this year, and yet again my instruments were impeccably polished, oiled, adjusted and restored to mint condition. She found and fixed every miniscule adjustment that needed to be made, and both instruments play like new now, with improved intonation to top it off. She listened carefully to any concerns that I presented when I dropped them off, answered any questions I had, and she charged a very fair rate for her service. She also took the time to explain every adjustment, pad replacement and repair that was needed. I now live in Edmonton but I plan to return every summer to have her service my instruments.
They couldn't be in better hands!”
Kaili Maimets
​Flutist
“I have trusted Jay with my flutes and piccolos for over 20 years! He is highly skilled and passionate about what he does. When Jay has worked on my instruments, they play like a dream. This is due to his precision, making sure that every tone hole seals perfectly, and that the key action and tension are just the way I like it. If there is any adjustment that needs to be made, he listens to my feedback and finds a solution. I really appreciate his 1-year warranty and emergency booking so that I can feel confident that if my instruments need some work done quickly, he will make the time to help. The flute community is lucky to have someone like Jay to keep our instruments in their best shape."
Anne Thompson
Freelance Flute & Piccolo Player​
"Jay Gemmill has been fixing my flutes and piccolo and those of my students for many years. During the years, I have counted on Jay to keep all my instruments working perfectly. With a minimum of fuss, he has always done exactly the work that needs to be done, finishing it quickly and always charging reasonable prices. I have always trusted his skill, his honesty, and his opinion and have never been disappointed. Jay has so many times saved my sanity with last minute and emergency work that he clearly does for many customers so I am always amazed to find him so calm, easily dealing with his crazy workload.."
Peg Albrecht
Undergraduate Sessional Lecturer,
University of Toronto
“I've been taking my flute to Jay for many years now. He is absolutely "the best" in the business. My flute always comes back in the best shape it can possibly be and it is always such a joy to play after Jay has worked on it. Jay also knows well the latest flute models on the market and gives me expert advice from a flute mechanic's point of view. I have often found this advice very helpful in trying to find just the right flute for particular students..”
Jin Cho​
Flutist & Historical flute specialist
“Ontario Flute Centre has been my trusted destination for both modern and historical flute repairs for many years. HJ has worked on my instruments for COAs, adjustments, and repairs,
and every visit has been a positive experience.
She is friendly, attentive, and highly skilled, combining meticulous craftsmanship
with a thoughtful and detail-oriented approach to repair work. Jay has also performed what can only be described as magic on my Baroque flutes. The cracks he repaired were not only expertly sealed but rendered virtually invisible, so I often forget they were ever there. What stands out most about Ontario Flute Centre is the passion, pride, and care that go into every instrument they work on. It is always a pleasure to entrust my flutes to their hands."
Fred Cory
Flutist
"I'd like to comment regarding the pre-owned instruments. In very real ways, these instruments are better than brand new out of the box. It takes time for a new instrument to settle-in which can easily require a few trips to the repair tech. Never take a brand new flute out on a gig!!! Jay and HJ are so meticulous, it's scary. Out of interest, I have priced the OFC restored flutes to retail prices. You'll save about 30% from new. Plus no tax, 1 year guarantee on the restoration. It's a sin to sell a leaky flute to a fellow human being on. Consign it at the OFC so that a new owner has peace of mind. You'll sleep better too."
Client Testimonial
Coming Soon 😊
“We're currently collecting stories and feedback from our wonderful clients. Check back soon!"
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