Wood Flute Care

Metal and wooden flutes require different kinds of care.

Wooden flutes are beautiful instruments, but because they are different from metal flutes, they require specialized care. Learning about how to care for your wooden flute can extend its life span and ensure that it works properly during the time you own it. There are several important aspects of caring for your flute, including storing and cleaning it properly and "breaking it in" correctly.

Storage

Never store your flute near a heat source or in direct sunlight. Store each section of the flute separately and in a case from a reputable manufacturer. To extend the life of your instrument and prevent excessive drying of the wood, try using an instrument humidifier.

Cleaning

When you are done playing your flute, take it apart and either shake out excess moisture or swab it carefully with a soft cotton cloth and a wooden cleaning rod. Be sure to avoid excessive drying.

Breaking in Your Flute

If your flute is new or has not been played in a long time, break it in by playing it for a few minutes at a time, and for no more than an hour a day. After approximately a month, you will be able to play it for a longer period of time.

Warming Your Flute

To avoid cracking, allow your wood flute to warm up to room temperature before playing it, especially if it is cold to the touch or has been outside during the winter.

Oiling Your Flute

Oiling your flute also will help to prevent it from cracking. Use a commercial bore oil to oil both the inside and outside of the flute for every five to 10 hours of playing time. Be sure not to use paint store brand linseed oil, as it can self-ignite and is poisonous. Also, avoid getting oil on your flute's keys or key pads (if it has any). If you do get oil on your keys, use cigarette papers, camera lens cleaning papers or flute pad cleaning papers to gently remove it.

Sockets and Tenons

Usually your flute's tenon and socket joints will be wrapped with reed thread or cork. If it needs to be replaced, take it to the manufacturer. Replacing it yourself can damage the flute and may result in you voiding your flute's warranty. To grease the tenons, melt some beeswax with Vaseline and apply it in small amounts to the tenons.

Servicing Your Instrument

A few years after you purchase your instrument, send it back to the manufacturer or to a reputable flute repairman for servicing. If you are sending in the mail, make sure you insure it. Ask the repairman to rewrap the tenons, oil it, check the tuning and repolish the bore.

References

• Casey Burns Flutes: Casey's Flute Care Instructions