New to playing tuning cork questions

[Guenhwyvar]

I have just started learning flute and I will start lessons soon. I have got a flute book and have tried some songs. I did not have too much trouble getting out the notes I tried.

On my 4th practice the tuning cork fell out and I just put it back in. I have a lindo flute (all I can afford for the moment).

I had a few weeks were I could not practice because I am moving, but the high and low notes now seem harder. Both D's which were my favourite notes before and the first one I played before practice dont come out strongly or sometimes at all. I never had a problem with them before.

I may have just lost my position and it could be entirely my fault, but could the tuning cork or flute be causing the problem? I wont get lessons for another few weeks. Should I have it checked? I have never played an instrument so would not no yet if it is out of tune - I am just working on timing a fingering before my lessons.

[Phineas]

Hello

That "tuning cork" is at the end on the headjoint. It is not for tuning, but it will effect the over all intonation of the flute. If it leaks enough, it will make the flute unplayable. If that is all that is wrong with it, almost any band repair shop should be able to fix it. Unfortunately, some may refuse because of the brand name.

Good luck

Phineas

[pied_piper]

On my 4th practice the tuning cork fell out and I just put it back in.

If it just fell out, it is likely too loose and leaking. When you put it back in, which end of the headjoint did you put it in? If you look closely, you will see that the headjoint is slightly smaller on the left end (crown end) than the right end (joint end). If you insert it from the right end, it should not fall through and come out the small end. If that happens, the cork definitely should be replaced.

[Bo]

In case you need it, here is a thread from this board about adjusting the tuning cork:
http://www.fluteland.com/board/viewtopi ... ark#p24376