Problem with Flute, how to fix?

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Chummy
Posts: 15
Joined: Wed Jun 05, 2019 12:13 pm

Problem with Flute, how to fix?

Post by Chummy »

First of all thank you for everyone who's reading this

I have a problem with my flute and I'd appreciate if you guys could tell me whether this is something I can fix it myself before I have to pay a tech.

So just today I noticed that specifically the F# in either octave simply doesn't "work". It barely even sounds and when it does it is awful and is severely out of tune. I have diagnosed the problem that the F# key pad and the one next to it both do not close the 4th pad alright .. only the 3rd one does it as seen in the vid (so that lower octave D/Eb still works) from the side of the foot join when detached). I have attached a video clearly showing it and a picture of the back of the flute. I couldn't tell why doesn't it close the hole correctly :( any help would be appreciated. I know my way around common work tools but if spare parts are needed I've got to hand it over to a pro.

Thanks for helping me!
have a nice week y'guys :) so sad I can't play

here's the vid:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isO3-lvX6kE

a pic of the other side of the flute, maybe you can spot if something's off?

Image

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pied_piper
Posts: 1962
Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2007 1:31 pm
Location: Virginia

Re: Problem with Flute, how to fix?

Post by pied_piper »

Most student and intermediate flutes have an adjustment screw to regulate the closing of the F# key/pad. Sometimes the screws can work out a bit but the problem can also be caused if the silencing material has fallen off under the screw or if a key has been accidentally bent. If you are mechanically inclined you MIGHT be able to make the adjustment yourself, but it will require you to carefully look at the mechanism to determine which screws need to be slightly turned. If the silencing material has fallen off then the key may click when it is pressed because the screw will directly contact metal instead of silencing material. If you turn the wrong screw(s) it will cause more problems. A tech can easily take care of that but if you end up making more problems then the repair could cost more.
"Never give a flute player a screwdriver."
--anonymous--

Chummy
Posts: 15
Joined: Wed Jun 05, 2019 12:13 pm

Re: Problem with Flute, how to fix?

Post by Chummy »

Thank you very much for taking the time to comment and sorry for my late reply, I do not check internet forums so often.
I ended up adjusting the 2 screws nearby and the flute works well again, I did experiment a bit as I was told turning it too far will mess up the setup. But since it was a good learning experience, I did it anyway in order to gauge the effects of each screw on the setup. And then I got it to the optimal position in the end so it feels just like before. much obliged!

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