As a flute player, I am often the first to admit that our instruments are some of the most temperamental when it comes to repair and maintenance issues. There are just so many small screws, pins, rods, and other mechanisms that, if even slightly bent or damaged, can cause major playing issues. I wanted to take a few minutes to go over some of the most common repair issues and how they should be addressed.
1. Tight or loose tenons
The “tenons,” or joints, of the flute, are the parts that fit together: headjoint into body, and body into foot. At times, these parts can swell or shrink, causing a fit that is too loose or too tight. If a part is too loose, you run the risk of the headjoint or foot slipping off. If it is too tight, you can risk damage to the joint from trying to force it. A small piece of Scotch tape is an acceptable fix for a loose joint, but do NOT use cork grease or any other kind of lubricant for tight joints. This can cause buildup and permanent damage to the metal.
2. Sluggish or stuck keys
Never…ever…use any kind of lubricant–or any liquid!–on your flute. While there are lubricants that help the performance of woodwind keys, they are for professional use only. Again, this goes for all parts of the flute. Oil or other liquids can cause serious damage to the mechanisms and pads of the instrument, rendering it unusable. If it is gel, liquid, or oil, do not use it on your flute!*
*I do make one exception to this rule. If you are noticing black or green tarnish build-up on your headjoint or footjoint tenon, you may use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cloth to remove that. Take care not to get the liquid close to any keys or pads.
3. Leaking keys/pads
One of the most common complaints I hear when a flute comes in for repair is, “There are some notes that are just not coming out!” Or, “I feel like I have to work so hard to get a good sound!” In most cases here, the pads need some attention. The pads are the (usually) yellow materials underneath the keys, and they are particularly susceptible to moisture and buildup of impurities. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, they will start to create leaks in the instrument. Regular maintenance, as well as swabbing the instrument after every playing session, will keep this from happening too soon–although no pad lasts forever.
You may also notice that while the pads are performing properly, they may make a “sticky sound” when they are depressed and released. This is common and does not mean that the pad is faulty; it simply means that there is some moisture on the surface of the pad. The IFS sells pad cleaning paper to help alleviate this.
4. Tarnish
Both silver-plated and solid silver flutes are susceptible to tarnish, but you can take some steps to delay the onset of it. Regular cleaning of the instrument and ensuring that the metal is free of fingerprints after each playing session helps keep the silver clean. The Indy Flute Shop also sells silver protection strips that are inserted in the case with the flute to help slow the progression of tarnish. For more advanced cases of tarnish, or when it has built up in the rods and mechanisms, refer to our repair shop.
All of these issues listed above require the care and skills of a trained instrument technician. The Indy Flute Shop, as a part of Paige’s Music, has a full-service repair shop with specialists in each instrument. Instruments can be dropped off at the store, or you can call or visit the Paige’s Music website to request a repair. You may also order care items, which are specially approved by Erin and the repair specialists, over the phone or on this page. And, as always, feel free to call or email Erin with any questions!