Getting rid of the polish gotee

Flute_star3 · Post by **Flute_star3** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 3:23 pm

I recently purchased a Yamaha 461H, I love it! I also bought a treated cloth suggested by the salesman to keep it nice and shiny. And of coarse this causes a black mark on my chin that it is difficult to remove! Will my new flute (which I intend to sell once its time to upgrade again) still stay shiny if I use a non-treated cloth? Is there some kind of cream I can rub on my chin to keep the polish from sticking?

flutepicc06 · Post by **flutepicc06** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 3:36 pm

It's best to use an untreated cloth, even if it weren't for the black goatee. Treated cloths almost without exception strip small quantities of metal from the flute with each use, which over time can result in damage to the finish. Not to mention that many new instruments are finished with a clear, protective coating that inhibits tarnish, and by repeated wipedowns with a treated cloth, you remove this layer, which can actually mean worse tarnish in the long run. The best way to control tarnish is to take preventitive measures....Wash your hands before you play, and wipedown the flute with a soft, clean (untreated) cloth after every play session (microfiber cloths are great for this, and I keep one with each of my instruments). That black mark may be caused by any number of things, from makeup or skin creams you may have on, to some part of your biology that causes silver to tarnish particularly badly. If it's that great a concern to you, put a postage stamp where your chin contacts the lip plate as way to separate your skin from the silver. Just be sure not to let it lap over the edge of the embouchure hole.

Flute_star3 · Post by **Flute_star3** » Mon Aug 27, 2007 10:13 pm

Woah, I had no idea. I will definitely be more careful of my cloths now!

piccoloist · Post by **piccoloist** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 2:28 pm

Also, if you are wearing makeup like foundation, cover up or powder, you will see a mark.