How to Fix a Flute That Doesn't Make a Sound

If not properly cleaned, a flute can stop producing sound.

A flute can begin to sound muted and stuffy with time. Eventually, a flute could stop making sound altogether. If your flute stops making music, chances are the flute's headjoint or embouchure hole is clogged, preventing air from passing through the flute when you try to play it. Luckily, you can easily fix the problem. Head joint and embouchure hole obstruction is relatively common and can be fixed in just a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton swab
• Isopropyl alcohol

Instructions

1. Inspect the embouchure hole. This part of the flute is the hole that you blow into while you are playing. You likely will be able to see gunk buildup on this part of the flute without even needing to dissemble the instrument. To avoid future embouchure obstruction, flutist and music teacher Jen Cluff recommends removing lipstick or heavy makeup before playing your flute.

2. Remove any obstructions that you notice on or around the embouchure hole using a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Be careful to avoid touching the headjoint cork when you're cleaning the embouchure hole. This cork is located directly on the center of the embouchure hole, and it can alter your flute's tone if it is moved or damaged.

3. Remove the flute's headjoint. This is the topmost part of the flute. The embouchure hole that you just cleaned is located on the headjoint. Depending on your specific flute make and model, removing the headjoint may require different steps. However, in most cases you simply twist the headjoint to unlatch it, and then you pull it straight off.

4. Swab the inside of the headjoint with a fresh cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol. Again, make sure you avoid swabbing the headjoint cork as you clean the inside of your flute. Most debris inside the flute is usually just dried up saliva, so it is easier to remove than the gunk around the embouchure hole.

5. Reassemble the flute and try to play it. With a clean headjoint, the flute should once again produce sound.

References

• Jennifer Cluff: Testing Your Flute