Breaking in a new instrument

jenmel · Post by **jenmel** » Wed May 17, 2006 7:11 pm

I've read somewhere that when you get a brand new flute, you need to break it in by playing it for a few minutes each day, and work up to an hour, etc. Is this true? Or can I just pick up a new one and play right away for as long as I'm itching to?

Thanks!

fluttiegurl · Post by **fluttiegurl** » Wed May 17, 2006 7:24 pm

When I bought my first handmade (Pearl), I played for three hours the first day. For me, the process was more about getting used to the flute than actually breaking it in. Wooden instruments tend to need more care in this department. There really should be no reason to "break it in", though I may be wrong.

ick27 · Post by **ick27** » Wed May 17, 2006 8:26 pm

Yes, you can play your flute as much as you want as soon as you get it. New wood instruments need to be broken in as you describe, not metal instruments. This is because the wood is initially quite dry and may crack if it is exposed to too much moisture. However, I know many wooden flute/piccolo manufacturers treat the instruments before they are sold, so they will be immediately ready to be played full time.