Is it the Flute? Or is it me? – Part 4
Common problems to check for on your flute:
There are some common problems to check for on your flute so that you can determine:
Is it the flute? Or is it me?
Here’s part four in this series. All of the problems occur as the result of either simple aging, or rough/ careless handling.
After you’ve checked all these things you should have a clearer idea how much (if any) repair your flute needs, and can take it in to be seen to by a reputable flute technician or repair person.
Things to check yourself:
Other pad problems:
Pads can be worn, can shrink and dry out, and can swell and seal unevenly. Only a good technician can spot these details, so if you have not played the flute for years, or it’s been longer than 2 yrs. since it was last serviced….make an appointment and take it in.
Your flute playing will improve dramatically when the flute is properly sealing and in good adjustment.
General things to avoid in order to preserve your flute in top condition:
Avoid:
-Rough handling during assembly.
The safest method for assembly and dis-assembly is to never grasp the keys or rods, but only the smooth areas of the flute.
-Rough handling of the embouchure plate.
Gripping too hard, poking sharp objects at, or accidentally banging the headjoint against the music stand can dent or bend the embouchure plate. Other dents can be taken out, but not the ones that occur at the tone-hole of the flute. Be careful.
-Avoid cleaning between the keys with cloth or Q-tips.
Trying to get dirt or tarnish out from between the flute’s keys can knock springs out of place, or even break them. Leave this detailed cleaning to your repair person who will remove all the keys in order to clean tiny areas.
If you must remove dust from intricate areas, use compressed air, or blow your own compressed air at them. :>)
-Avoid the use of silver polish.
Silver polish will travel farther than you can control, so do not use it. It is especially bad when it gets on the flute pads, and creates
sticky sounds that won’t go away with time. Again, if you wish to have a shiny instrument, leave that to the professionals.