Embouchure slippage - problem solved.

Tarandros · Post by **Tarandros** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 8:12 pm

I've been having a lot of problems since returning to the flute with the lip plate slipping down my chin. To begin with, I used bits of masking tape or small sticky backed labels stuck to the lip plate to prevent this happening but it wasn't an ideal, permanent solution. Then I remembered seeing photos of some flutes with engraved lip plates and imagined that this could solve the problem permanently as the engraving would effectively provide a grip like a tyre or shoe sole. So a couple of days ago I took the flute to an engraver and had the lip plate engraved with a suitable inscription. It cost £16 (around $20) to have this done, I got the flute back today and practised for three hours - problem solved, no slippage and I'd therefore really recommend this as a cheap and permanent solution if anyone else experiences the same problem. Kind regards, T.

lula · Post by **lula** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 4:08 pm

I think I would love to have my new flute engraved! And hearing that it solves slipping problems is even better. Will anyone engrave it or do you have to find an engraver that specializes in engraving flutes?

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 2:16 pm

I had my entire flute engraved and I love it. It is a little extreme, but it was my choice and I don't intend to get rid of it any time soon. Several of my students have had their lip plates engraved as well. We work through an artist that I have dealt with for some time. If you are interested, pm me and I can get you his info.

Flute World also does this kind of work. From what I have seen, they do a very good job, but are limited to certain designs.

However, if your lip plate is gold plated, many engravers won't touch it because the plating is pretty thin. Just FYI.

lula · Post by **lula** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 2:42 pm

Thanks for telling me that most engravers won't do gold lip plates because mine is gold. I just bought it last week and I really don't want it ruined.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 3:40 pm

Yeah, the Yamaha Allegro model has a gold plated lip. Plating is often only 5-6 MOLECULES thick. Engraving would most certainly ruin the plating.

Now... if you wanted it engraved anyway.... you could have the gold stripped off, have it engraved, then have it re-plated. That would be very expensive though.

lula · Post by **lula** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 4:12 pm

Think I'll leave my flute the way it is sounds like too much expense and trouble.....

nasxxx · Post by **nasxxx** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 5:56 pm

You could chemical electric etch gold thats possible. Bit like how they do driven tools using acid, a template and an electric kinda pad to press on for a short period of time.