Picked up my flute after many years and...

[wurly]

(This will make you all shake your heads for sure).
Cannot get an F#
What am I doing wrong?

I was lucky to have been given a flute as a present many years ago, but I couldn't get the hang of it. I have keyboards so I guess I expected notes to 'arrive' easier than they did. I persevered but eventually gave up.
I actually gave up keys as well for a long time as well. I love music btw and get much pleasure from it.
But more recently I decided to get back into playing a bit more. I bought an old Wurlitzer EP for the proper piano key action and I'm back to where I left off. Some things you never loose.

So, I today i opened the case of the flute and decided to 'have to go'.
Mmmm after an hour or so, i'm stating to play an old Jethro Tull tune, until I get to the bit where I need to play an f#

My book says (lh)T1,f1,f2,f3 rh f3 little finger rc
but all I get is an F
It cannot be the flute surely...it must be something i'm doing wrong

Anyone care to help?

[pied_piper]

My book says (lh)T1,f1,f2,f3 rh f3 little finger rc
but all I get is an F
It cannot be the flute surely...it must be something i'm doing wrong

Anyone care to help?

Your book is indicating the correct fingers. Actually, it certainly CAN be the flute.

It's often difficult to diagnose problems remotely, but there are a number of things that could prevent the F# from playing while the other notes play just fine. The most likely possible causes are that the spring on the F key is either broken, bent, or unhooked or the RH mechanism could be binding.

But, let's try an easy remote diagnosis:
Don't attempt to play the flute, but hold it so that you can observe the right hand mechanism.
Close LH1, LH2, and LH3 and then watch as you depress RH3. As you do that, watch the 3 keys above the RH3.
You should see the third key away from RH3 go down when you press it. See photos below.

My guess is that RH1 is also going up and down too as you press and release RH3. If so, it should not and that is why you are unable to play F#. If that is what you see, then you need to get a flute repair technician to check it. If it is simply an unhooked spring, the tech should be able to easily hook it back on the spot. If there is a broken spring or binding mechanism causing it, then that repair is more involved and will require the tech to disassemble the RH mechanism to resolve the problem.

With RH3 open:

IMG_2820.jpg (69.13 KiB) Viewed 8204 times

Normal - RH3 pressed - only 1 other key should close

IMG_2821.jpg (50.56 KiB) Viewed 8204 times

This indicates a problem. RH3 pressed - RH1 is also closing. Compare to previous photo.

IMG_2822.jpg (54.85 KiB) Viewed 8204 times

Let me know what you observe.

[wurly]

Yes PP you were absolutely correct. When i press either lh t1 or f2 rh f3 the 3rd hole up also closes. I can flick the button up very easily but there is some small spring resistance. I do remember a spring getting dislodged once when instrument was dropped. I am wondering if it was set back correctly now.

It's wasn't a very expensive flute so i can't justify taking it to be repaired. Besides (with help) i think i can find out what exactly is wrong.
I'll try to upload a video of the mechanism.

[pied_piper]

I don't have time to do it now, but I'll take a photo showing you exactly where the spring is located for that key.

[wurly]

Ok. All fixed now. I found the spring was wrong side of turret. I can now get f#.
Many thanks.

[pied_piper]

Great! Glad I could help!