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Features of a New Flute to Look For

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New Flute

New Flute

There are several features you should look for on a flute, especially if you are buying a new flute.

Curved lip plate (metal flute). This makes for easier blowing.

 

Mouth hole—average size. The two basic shapes used for the mouth hole are the oval and the rounded rectangle; either one is acceptable. The size of the mouth hole, however, should not vary too much from the average. A large mouth hole will favor the low notes at the expense of the high, while a small mouth hole will favor the high notes at the expense of the low.

Integral, rolled tone holes (metal flute). The walls of the holes should be raised directly from the body of the flute, instead of being soldered on, to reduce the chance of having air leaks. An exception is made in the case of some handmade flutes. These are normally fashioned with thinner metal tubing, so most makers do not raise the hole walls from the tube itself.

The tops of the holes should be curled, or “rolled,” so that no sharp edge is presented to the pad—this increases pad life. (Some flutes have tone holes that are integral but not rolled.)

 

Rib-and-post construction (metal flute). In this style of construction, the posts that hold the key mechanism are not soldered directly to the body but instead to strips of metal (ribs) that are then soldered to the body. This greatly increases the reliability of the key mechanism.

 

Regulating screws. These allow the flutist to make basic adjustments to the flute mechanism, decreasing the need for professional attention. The flute should have four or five regulating screws; flutes with more than five screws have a tendency to go out of adjustment too easily. Handmade flutes do not normally have regulating screws.

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Always contact Exclusively Flutes for all your New Flutes

Cleaning & Care of your New Flute

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new flute

New Flute

 

 

Cleaning & Care of your New Flute

 

We’re confident that you will enjoy your new flute from Gemeinhardt flutes. Your woodwind instrument was designed by master craftsmen to give you quality sound and maximum potential. You can help maintain your new flute in “like-new” condition following these tips on cleaning and suggestions for general use.

Storing your new flute

When not using your new flute, keep it closed in its case to help protect the finish from unnecessary exposure to impurities in the air, especially in geographic areas affected by salt or sulfur content. Also, keeping the instrument in its case helps prevent the possibility of damage by dropping it accidentally.

Do not store yournew flute in areas of extreme temperature changes. Keep the instrument away from radiators or from windows where direct sunlight can cause extreme heat.

Putting your new flute together

Before assembling your new flute, wipe the tenons (ends) clean. Remember that even under normal circumstances, slight scratches on the tenons will appear after time since metal is rubbing against metal. Never use grease, oil or silver polish on tenons. When assembling the instrument, avoid grabbing the key mechanism. Carefully, but firmly, hold the main body and insert the tenons in the receivers with a twisting motion. Align the embouchure hole on the head joint (the section without keys) in direct line with the first (closest) key on the front of the main body (longest section). Align the rod on the foot joint (shortest joint with keys) exactly in the center of the last key on the main body. If you have any questions, your teacher will be glad to be of assistance.

Putting your new flute away

After you have played your instrument, clean it before putting it away. Moisture left inside your new flute can cause faster pad deterioration. Cleaning the inside can be done by threading a pre-washed flannel cloth through the slot on the cleaning rod (wrap the cloth around the rod) and running the rod through the inside of the flute. The outside of the new flute may be wiped with a plain damp cloth to remove finger marks.

Tarnish prevention tips

If you wish to preserve the finish of your new flute, we suggest using the Gemeinhardt Flute Care Kit, available by order through Exclusively Flutes. You will find this kit desirable since tarnishing is a characteristic of silver (which requires constant care).

The polishing mitt in the kit will remove tarnish and help retain the original beauty of your new flute. A word about body acids: Perspiration or body acids can cause more severe tarnishing. More frequent use of the polishing mitt in the Gemeinhardt Flute Care Kit will keep the finish looking better. We do not recommend the use of silver polish. Silver is a soft metal and prolonged usage of an abrasive polish will cause signs of wear on the finish. Under no circumstances should you use any commercial silver polish on the instrument.

Key mechanism

Oil the key mechanism occasionally and sparingly. Once every month should be sufficient and oil should be applied with a special key oiler to prevent excessive application. Wipe off any excessive oil carefully. A special key oiler is available from Exclusively Flutes as a part of the Gemeinhardt Flute Care Kit. Also included in this kit are swabs, a polishing mitt and a brush that may be used to wipe the dust and dirt away from the key area.

Pad care

Pads will get dirty and sticky even when you do your best to keep them clean. Pads may be cleaned using a small amount of alcohol on a cloth. Do not use water since it will cause pads to swell and ruin proper pad seating.

Repair and maintenance

Worn felts, worn corks, loose pads, bent springs or keys can result after a period of continuous use (usually six months or more). Periodic services by Exclusively Flutes are important and will help avoid costly repairs later on. This constant attention will keep the instrument in top playing condition.

If you have further questions about the care and maintenance of your new flute, please consult with your teacher, Exclusively Flutes, or write to Gemeinhardt at:

Gemeinhardt Musical Instruments, LLC.

57882 State Road 19

Elkhart, IN 46517

Gemeinhardt is more than a fine new flute. It is the name of the master craftsman who first created these remarkably fine woodwind instruments.

Originally designed by Kurt Gemeinhardt to be mechanically, acoustically and musically correct in every price range, today’s Gemeinhardt flutes are still crafted in the tradition of the master’s own creation. That is why they still bear the name and why we recommend Gemeinhardt flutes with complete confidence.

Courtesy of Gemeinhardt

http://www.gemeinhardt.com/support/cleaning-care.html

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