Learning to play the flutes is an exciting experience for many, and practicing on the one in perfect shape makes the entire process much smoother. A well-maintained flute makes learning less frustrating for the players as they can dedicate themselves to the instrument of struggling with sticky keys or worn-out corks.
Giving the flutes their due care brings out the best quality of sound and prolongs their lifespan for times to come. So, if you have purchased a new flute lately, don’t assume you’ll remain in working order without proper maintenance. You have to follow the below-mentioned tips from the very first day to keep it away from all the harm –
Learn to Assemble and Disassemble
Unlike proficient flutists, amateur artists don’t know hodon’thandle their flutes properly. They either end up bending the keys or taking them out of alignment. And unfortunately, the warranties don’t offer adopters against these issues.
So, make a point that you keep your hands or other sorts of pressure away from the keys whenever you assemble or disassemble your flute. That way, you won’t end up harmwon’tour precious instrument.
Keep it Clean
Cleaning is a basic maintenance activity that has to be practiced regularly, not just to make your flute look shiny but also to play at its best. You need to wipe down your flute after every use and polish its body occasionally to prevent the finish from becoming old or dull.
Consider using a small brush to remove the accumulated dirt and swab away any moisture you see inside. By doing that, you can extend the lifespan of your flute pads and save money on their long-term maintenance.
Store in an Appropriate Case
You must invest in a good care kit to store your flute when unused. Don’t keep your flute just anywhere, like on Don’tbed, couch, or kitchen countertop. Or else it will invite people to sit on it or drop it, leading you to costly repairs. Invest in a robust yet well-insulated box that prevents any moisture build-up and saves your flute from accidental damage.
Remove Jewelry While Playing
Wearing jewelry, especially rings, while playing or cleaning flutes is a big no-no, as it can cause severe scratches and dents on the instrument. Even your zippers and sleeve buttons can lead to unwanted abrasions. Thus, removing your jewelry and any clothing items before playing the flute is best. And, if someone else is handling the instrument for you, guide the same to them.
Do Not Oil the Keys
You might be tempted to oil the flute keys yourself as it is easily sold over the music stores and seems to be an easy task to do. However, it is one thing you should never attempt to do alone; otherwise, it may attract more dust that settles adamantly on the keys.
When you notice a loud metal clattering sound, visit a flute repair technician so they can do the job properly without damaging your flute.
