Tarnished Flute

[ninjanoman]

I have had my Trevor James TJ10xIII for 7-8 years now, and have since upgraded to a more advanced flute for the higher grades. My old flute stays mainly in its original case, as a spare for emergencies, though I do take it out and play it/clean it often.

It's nickel with silver plating, and since it has been largely disused, I have noticed some green/black speckled marks in the grooves of the keys and on some of the keys themselves. They don't seem to come off easily but I wondered if anyone had any ideas about how they can come off since I am eventually looking to sell/lend my flute as a second hand student flute. There's not very many of them, and they haven't appeared at all on the headjoint, but they don't look particularly nice even though the rest of it is shiny and clean.

Also, is there a market for second hand flutes like these out there. It's 7-8 years old, bought new, done Trinity grades 1-6, never broken but has been serviced, offset G, plateau keys, C foot. It makes a really nice noise and the lower notes come out clearly. There's no scratches or dents and still has the original case.

Thanks for anyone that can help.

[Gandalfe]

I use a silver cloth (available at most fabric selling stores) to gently polish my flute. Selling student level flute isn't difficult unless you are trying to get a lot of money. I sold mine to a sax player who wanted to double on flute. Start with your family, friends in the music industry, music teachers, and then consider other avenues.