Signs that a flute needs maintenance

[Bo]

What would you say are the main signs that a flute is ready for maintenance?

Thanks! And sorry if this question has already been asked!

Bo

[fluttiegurl]

In short, it doesn't play like it should (or did at one time).

Signs could include pads that don't seal, keys that are stiff or too loose, notes that don't speak, unusually airy tone, and the list could go on. If you are not sure if it is you or the flute, have someone else play it and see what the results are. Most likely, if you think there is a problem, there probably is.

[Zevang]

Try to feel if there is any huge difference in color through the range. If you note that there are particular notes that sound too different, usually darker than others, it might be a sign of leak or pad problems (Do not include here some notes that sound normally darker and ugly, like the C#...)

I agree with what was said that if you feel your flute doesn't play as it used to, if it's happening for a pretty long time (weeks for instance), it could need maintenence.

But let me add that if you keep regular and proper maintenence once a year, or minimum once in two years (if you don't play everyday...), your flute won't need any major maintenence.

[Bo]

Thanks for the replies!

I play an hour a day, but I also play other instruments, 5 hours in total, otherwise I would play more...

I had the flute for a year and 4 months now, but I haven't noticed any major signs of decline, so I was wondering if there are some small details I am not noticing. I mean, in general, at this stage, proper cleaning with alcohol every 10 days or so seems to do the trick... Could it be that a new flute lasts a little bit longer before the first maintenance?

Bo

[Zevang]

Bo, I really don't see a need for using alcohol to clean a flute.
The good and old process is just de same, you dry the inside of your flute at all times when you need to put it back to its case, and if you won't play for the day you remove the prints with a soft cloth.
Cleaning with alcohol can be really dangerous, because if in contact with the pads then it makes them dry. It's just the same as when you clean your hands with it, you can feel how dry they get.
So, alcohol may be indicated to clean palin metal parts. Also, you have to be careful not to let it mix with the oil inside the mechanism. Alcohol may clean away the lubricant and then you'll have a flute with mechanical problems in no time.
When you think your flute is dirty it's probably the time for a C.O.A at a good technician.

[Bo]

Thank you for the advice, Zevang.
I will pay attention. The reason why I use alcohol so often is that I am very prone to colds and I would like to clean the flute properly after a bad cold. I have noticed it sounds better more or less by chance, that is to say I didn't really use it primarily because I thought it would then sound better...

[MissyHPhoenix]

Wouldn't it be better to just clean out the headjoint then? Or is that what you are doing? I can't imagine you cleaning the whole flute with alcohol .......

[Bo]

Rubbing alcohol... I think it was fluteguy18 who had advised me to clean it with rubbing alcohol after a cold...

[Kshel]

Actually, most techs use isopropyl alcohol and a felt/gauze piece to wipe off excess hand oils and even tarnish. There's nothing wrong with using it... especially on your headjoint, which accumulates a lot of saliva deposit build up (yes, this even happens if you swab your flute out after playing!).

[Bo]

Well, I can confirm it has not damaged my flute. Of course I pay attention, I don't soak it in alcohol! I am very careful.
Apart from colds, it is a matter of hygiene I think.

[Fox]

My understanding of maintaining a flute was that if you play it a lot then you should take it to get a COA every six months. I am taking mine once a year. I don't consider an hour a day to be a lot. Four or five hours a day is a lot, at least for me.