Flute Maintenance Workshop

Presented by Sean Tan (WindWorks)

Repair CV &Experience
Degree in Engineering (Mechanical) at Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) Automotive Design Engineer at Singapore Technologies Kinetics Band Instrument Repair Technology at Renton Technical College (USA) StraubingerTM Pad Certification (USA) Factory trained at Muramatsu Flutes (Japan) Factory trained at Powell Flutes (USA) Factory trained at Buffet Crampon (France)

Topics for flute maintenance

Understanding flute mechanism Care and maintenance of flute case Proper assembly/ holding Headjoint calibration Polishing & cleaning Oiling of mechanism Other tips

Understanding flute mechanism

A-Bb balancing is controlled by this adjustment screw: turning clockwise will lower Bb key Balance: Equal

Bb

Understanding flute mechanism

Thumb Bb balancing is controlled by this arm with felt or cork: Balance: Bb key close earlier

Thumb Lever

Bb key

Understanding flute mechanism

UG-LG balancing is controlled by this adjustment screw: turning clockwise will lower LG key Balance: LG to close later

LG

UG

Understanding flute mechanism

F-F# balancing is controlled by this adjustment screw: turning clockwise will lower F# key F-Bb balancing is controlled by a bridge connection below F key Balance: Equal for F-F# Bb to close slightly late

F#

Bb

Understanding flute mechanism

E-F# balancing is controlled by this adjustment screw: turning clockwise will lower F# key; E Mech: LG is controlled by thickness of felt or cork Balance: Almost equal for E-F# (with F# late) LG to close slightly late
E-mech Arm with felt or cork adjustment

F#

LG

Understanding flute mechanism

D-F# balancing is controlled by this adjustment screw: turning clockwise will lower F# key Balance: F# close slightly late

F#

Understanding flute mechanism

Low C-C#balancing is controlled by a piece of felt or cork underneath C# key. Balance: C# close slightly late

C#

 Any questions so far?

Care and maintenance for flute case

Oil the latches

with key oil

Remove lint & dirt

with masking tape

Air case once awhile

or sun it without flute

Proper assembly and reassembly

Proper assembly and reassembly

Hold flute close to body Do NOT twist joints

Proper way of holding flute

X X

Proper calibration of the headjoint tuning cork

Swabbing the interior

Be gentle when you swab headjoint; be careful not to move the headjoint calibration Do wash the cleaning guaze once a month Change gauze when old/ torn

Keep the tenons and receivers clean before and after assembly

Wiping the keys (perpendicular direction)

Do NOT use liquid polish

Polishing the flute body (Parallel direction)

Be Careful: do NOT rub against key pads Use a MICROFIBRE Cloth

Oiling of mechanism
once every three months

Oiling of mechanism
Reduce wear between metal parts Reduce noise from mechanism Prevent sweat from contacting steel shaft Prevent corrosion of steel shaft Quicker action

1. Gap next to round key post

2. line gap between keys

Oiling of mechanism

Oiling of mechanism

Oiling of mechanism

Other tips

Keep a small cosmetic brush

Paraffin wax (candle) to smoothen joints

Using cotton bud to clean open hole chimney

Wipe away wax after application

The End
Any Questions?

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