Oh no! Bb

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Mon Dec 25, 2006 1:07 pm

That's all definitely stuff that a tech should look at. It might be anything from a spring problem to something in the mechanism binding, to something being out of adjustment, to who knows what else, and without seeing the flute and being able to take it apart, it's impossible to say for sure. That rod is probably a loose pivot screw, and could be fixed very easily with a screwdriver. However, overtightening could cause more problems, so best leave that for a tech unless you know what you're up to.

remnantpark · Post by **remnantpark** » Mon Dec 25, 2006 1:43 pm

Thanks i'm bringing it in the repair shop soon...

Oh no! Another crisis occured during practicing! The Key for A flat (the "golf club" key) is sticking and so is the key for G (the 3rd key for the left). Why is my flute breaking apart on me when I haven't done anything?

Mark · Post by **Mark** » Mon Dec 25, 2006 1:46 pm

put it away ma'am....
I suspect a screw or rod is loose and slipping.. and since it is not here
with me.. it needs to be placed carefully in its case and someone
who is local to you to repair it..

I'm sorry that I can't be of more help...

mark

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Mon Dec 25, 2006 1:51 pm

remnantpark wrote:Thanks i'm bringing it in the repair shop soon...

Oh no! Another crisis occured during practicing! The Key for A flat (the "golf club" key) is sticking and so is the key for G (the 3rd key for the left). Why is my flute breaking apart on me when I haven't done anything?

What kind of flute is this, and when did it last see a tech? Is the G offset, or is it inline? If it's inline, it could be part of a larger binding problem within that rod. The G# may have gotten bent (It's one of the most susceptible to bending) or need lubrication...Once again, it's impossible to know for sure, but don't play that flute anymore until it gets fixed, as it just seems to get worse and worse the more you play.

remnantpark · Post by **remnantpark** » Mon Dec 25, 2006 10:25 pm

Well, the last time I visited a tech was when a key in the footjoint was bent. one of the pads coudln't seal properly. So really, they only checked the footjoint and repaired it. But the whole flute itself...hmm, that was about in 6th grade Decemberish so that was about 2 years ago.
It's an Inline, C foot, open hole (The beginner kinds Armstrong 103)
It's about 4 years old...

It's a good thing I'm going to lessons Wednesday.

Then I'll put it in the repair shop!

Like 4 days ago, the flute was fine and then the next day, the flute gradually started to sound worse...Overall, this year, my flute started to get weird. Could it be because of marching band? (They were really rough with the flutes.

)

Mark · Post by **Mark** » Tue Dec 26, 2006 8:57 am

hopefully your flute-teacher will be able to assess the problem for you
while you are there.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Tue Dec 26, 2006 1:22 pm

Most likely it's because it hasn't been properly maintained, though if you're particularly rough on it during marching band, that could be part of the problem too. I've taken a Yamaha 581 (the equivalent of the current 674) through a marching season (though I used it only for parade), and used it to march the Rose Parade without harm, so it is entirely possible for a flute (even a much more expensive one) to go through marching unscathed. It all depends on the conditions you're marching it, and the way you treat it as you march. Any, flutes should get a COA at least once per year (if you play particularly much, or are just hard on flutes, more often may be necessary....Mine go in every 6-8 months), and an overhaul every 3-5 years. Since it's been a while since the flute's been to a tech, some problems are to be expected. Just like any machine, flutes will break down unless they are given the care they require. Your tech should be able to set all of this right, though.

remnantpark · Post by **remnantpark** » Tue Dec 26, 2006 3:26 pm

I sent to a tech today...Thank god.

How rough we were on the flute?

My teacher made us put it on concrete and etc which made me particularly mad. Then during breaks, they make us carry it around everywhere to the bathroom, waterfountains etc. We've played from 90 degrees to about 40 degrees, different humidities, rain, dry...etc. They don't give us any time to clean out flutes out...They make us leave our flutes and carry it on buses from Connecticut to Virginia...There weren't problems last year but this year, marching season began to become more intense and my flute started to get leaks and all...

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Tue Dec 26, 2006 4:50 pm

Well leaving the flute on concrete isn't the worst thing you could do. As long as you set it down and pick it up carefully, and are sure no one steps on it, you might as well be setting it on a table. The weather conditions were probably far worse for the instrument than setting it down or having to carry it with you (I'd actually rather carry my flute with me so I can keep an eye on it). Let us know what the tech finds wrong with it....I'm curious to know how close my guesses were, since I couldn't see the flute. It'll probably play much better for you once you get it back.

remnantpark · Post by **remnantpark** » Tue Dec 26, 2006 4:53 pm

So far, he thinks its leaks, but I'm pretty sure there's more to it than leaks...

remnantpark · Post by **remnantpark** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 2:56 pm

Yay! I got my flute back! What happened was that the Csharp and C key needed to be leveled and adjusted (in the footjoint), the hinge rod needed to be modified. The Ab needed to be adjusted and...okay, I should stop now. Almost all the keys needed to be adjusted.

He said it's most likely because I don't put the flute together properly, like I touch the keys while putting it together which makes them messed up. Oh well, I need to work on my tone again, etc after not touching it for several days...

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 3:49 pm

remnantpark wrote:Yay! I got my flute back! What happened was that the Csharp and C key needed to be leveled and adjusted (in the footjoint), the hinge rod needed to be modified. The Ab needed to be adjusted and...okay, I should stop now. Almost all the keys needed to be adjusted. He said it's most likely because I don't put the flute together properly, like I touch the keys while putting it together which makes them messed up. Oh well, I need to work on my tone again, etc after not touching it for several days...

Yes...This is something else we should touch on in the FAQ. Always put the flute together without grasping the mechanism. That means hold the head below the lip plate, the body from the barrel, and the foot just below the mechanism (You may also put light pressure on the footjoint keys with your thumb, but never grab it in the middle).

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 6:04 pm

I beleive I addressed that issue in the care and maintanence section. If I did not, I would be glad to go back and add it.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 6:07 pm

I just went back and read it, and yes, I discussed the issue first under care and maintanence.

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 6:17 pm

Great! I must have missed it when I read through there, or just forgotten that it was there.