Flute Care

Flutes:

Storing your instrument:
When not using the instrument, 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 it in its case helps prevent the possibility of damage by dropping it or sitting on it accidentally. Do not store the instrument in areas of extreme temperature changes. Keep the instrument away from radiators or from windows where direct sunlight can cause extreme heat.

Putting your flute together:
Before assembling the instrument, wipe the tenons (ends) clean. 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.

Putting your flute away:
After you have played your instrument, clean it before putting it away. Moisture left inside the flute can cause faster pad deterioration. Cleaning the inside can be done by threading a clean 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 or the flute may be wiped with a plain damp cloth to remove finger marks.

Tarnish prevention:
If you wish to preserve the finish of your instrument, we suggest using a high quality silver polishing cloth. Perspiration or body acids can cause more severe tarnishing on silver finishes. More frequent use of a polishing cloth will keep the finish looking better. We do not recommend the use of liquid silver polish. Under no circumstances should you use any commercial silver polish on the instrument.

Key mechanism:
Oil the key mechanism occasionally and sparingly with a high quality key oil. Once every month should be sufficient and oil should be applied with a special key oiler to prevent excessive application. Wipe off any excess oil carefully.

Pad care:
Pads will get dirty and sticky even when you do your best to keep them clean. Wipe off any dirt or moisture from the tone holes and pads. After playing and while the pads are still damp, insert a piece of thin absorbent paper between the pad and tone hole. Press lightly on the pad and carefully remove the paper. Repeat this two or three times.

Wood piccolos:

A new wood piccolo needs the bore oiled at least once a month for the first six months. Simply apply bore oil to a cloth swab and draw through the bore, making sure the oil does not get on the pads. After six months, once every two to three months is sufficient. Too much oil can cause minor deterioration. To help avoid cracking, keep your piccolo away from extreme temperatures and, when not playing, store the instrument in its case.

Repair and maintenance:
Worn felts, worn corks, loose pads, bent springs or keys can result after a period of continuous use. We recommend the instrument be serviced at least once a year by a competent service technician. This will keep the instrument in top playing condition and help avoid costly repairs later on.