Upgraded flute - sticky keys

[Mere]

Hi everybody,

I’ve been reading the other posts but I can’t quite find what I’m looking for.

I’ve have lovely new Pearl Elegante but today (Day 4) I’ve had massive problems with sticky keys. I noticed it a little when I took it out of its case this morning and it progressively got worse.

I’m an experience flautist, so there were no sugary drinks, food, toothpaste issues etc and on previous days I’ve cleaned it inside properly, and dried every key by holding a piece of filter paper underneath while pressing the key down.

We do have hot weather, with around about 86% humidity (and until four days ago it was living in an air conditioned showroom), but my other flutes weren’t reacting this badly to the humidity.

I have two theories:
1) Is it the material? My last flute was silver plated. This ones solid silver, so as well as more tone and projection does it just naturally generate more condensation?
2) Is in the box? Would it’s Cherry wood box be more airtight that the standard plastic case? After long conversations with my orchestras oboeist I understand that you need air to dry out anything.

I don’t really see that it could be the instrument itself as Pearl is a respected brand and I haven’t had any problems with their instruments before.
Has anyone had similar problems? (sorry for the long winded story!)

[pied_piper]

There should be no difference in the amount of condensation between a plated or all silver instrument. Likewise, the case material should not be a consideration. Can you be a bit more specific with what is "sticking"?

[Mere]

Usually if i've been playing intensively the G# key will eventually start sticking, when i press my left pinky down i'll hear a slight 'mwah' sound as the key opens as moisture has made a slight suction around the pad. This can usually be tried out with a bit of filter paper, then i carry on.

This is the sticking i'm having, but it's on basically every key the right hand uses, and it doesn't take a lot of playing before it starts.

This didn't happen on the first couple of days, which makes me think maybe it's not drying out between plays (hense my case theory )

[mirwa]

How long since its last proper servicing, you may have some oils etc on the pad surfaces

[Mere]

How long since its last proper servicing, you may have some oils etc on the pad surfaces

It's four days old (and bought new).

[pied_piper]

Since it is new, your best option is to take it back to the dealer where you bought it and let them correct the issue or replace the flute.

[mirwa]

Agreed