Sticky Keys

[Iolaus]

How can I clean my pads? I had the flute re-padded a couple of years ago, and it's been fine, but lately after playing a bit, the moisture of my breath makes some of the keys sticky - most not to the point of actually sticking, but you can hear them release. My "G" key however, is sticking for a ½ second before lifting, which, on an open-hole, is rather disconcerting; I keep hearing the wrong note, when I know I played it right!.

[Bryony-Jane]

Crisp, clean notes can work (as in money) or I use cigarette paper, rizzla ones. Insert them in the key and hold the key down for a bit then take them out and hopefully the paper will have absorbed the moisture.

The other option is yamaha does some papers specifically for this purpose....or powder paper things from the body shop that are meant to remove moisture from your skin.

Hope this helps!

[fluttiegurl]

I never recommend using money on pads. For one thing, no matter how new the bill is, it still has oil from the hands (hundreds) that have touched it. There are other reasons, but that alone should be reason enough. They really are somewhat thick as well and the texture can rip a pad.

Cigarette paper works well. There are papers on the market for pads that are unpowdered (Zonda is the on ethat comes to mind) and powdered (I use Yamaha - but make sure the pad is dry first to prevent gumming). It is best to clean the pad with a dry paper before using a powdered one. There are a few cosmetic papers that are OK to use, but I would also be cautious of these because of the types of powder that are sometimes put in them can harm the thin "skin" layer of the pad. I would check with a manufacturer before trying.

The best thing you can do to prevent sticky pads is cleaning out your flute every time you play and keeping it in a clean/dry case.

As for your key sticking, it sounds as if the G key may be a spring problem. Usually sticky pads, even bad ones, will not result in a key moving that slowly. You may have a bad spring or a weak one. Have it checked out.

[Iolaus]

...As for your key sticking, it sounds as if the G key may be a spring problem. Usually sticky pads, even bad ones, will not result in a key moving that slowly. You may have a bad spring or a weak one. Have it checked out.

Good call!! the key is definitely lighter than the A, or even the F#. The problem is, I have a school concert this Sunday, and I have several solo licks, and two six measure solos. I'll just have to hope that it doesn't hang up at a bad time.

[Iolaus]

I just dicovered the Flutewise website (the president of the organization is Sir James Galway and vice president is Lady Jeanne Galway), and I found some info about cleaning sticky pads that I thought I should share.

The article is by Ian Mclauchlan, and in it, he makes a good point against the powdered cigarette paper method, saying:

(Whilst this does reduce stickiness I feel that adding more 'mess' on to the skin surface is asking for trouble later on. Also, I'm sure the pad cannot seal as well after this treatment).

He recommends using a cigarette paper with a couple of drops of lighter fluid, followed by a dry paper to blot any remaining fluid.

He also has some words of warning about other methods as well. The full article can be found here:
http://www.flutewise.com/fw/feat-flutecare.html

[SP22]

I have noticed that these forums are read by a wide body of people of many different ages.

I know this is going to sound really silly, but I want to add a caution to using cigarette papers, at least for folks under 18 yoa.

The state where I live has labelled cigarette papers as "Tobacco Products". Possession of them by minors is illegal and comes with a hefty fine. Now I know that common sense should apply and a package of rolling papers in the flute case of an otherwise wonderful student should not be a cause for alarm, but many school have adopted a zero tolerance policy.

I just want to help prevent possible financial hardship for some students out there. I suggest you check local and state laws, and if you have a SRO in your school ask them about it as well.

[Iolaus]

Good idea. Keep them at home; better yet, let the parents keep them as "support supplies."

[fliccolo257]

I have noticed that these forums are read by a wide body of people of many different ages.

I know this is going to sound really silly, but I want to add a caution to using cigarette papers, at least for folks under 18 yoa.

The state where I live has labelled cigarette papers as "Tobacco Products". Possession of them by minors is illegal and comes with a hefty fine. Now I know that common sense should apply and a package of rolling papers in the flute case of an otherwise wonderful student should not be a cause for alarm, but many school have adopted a zero tolerance policy.

I just want to help prevent possible financial hardship for some students out there. I suggest you check local and state laws, and if you have a SRO in your school ask them about it as well.

ive used cigarette paper before cause my flute teacher recommended it and they work well...just remember not to leave them in humid areas because they have a sticky lining (sorta like envelopes) that will stick to other pieces but otherwise, theyre great. if you cant transport those around though, use any thin but strong enough paper...tissue paper, for instance would rip. but, i agree ^^

xoxo
fliccolo257

[flutepicc06]

ive used cigarette paper before cause my flute teacher recommended it and they work well...just remember not to leave them in humid areas because they have a sticky lining (sorta like envelopes) that will stick to other pieces but otherwise, theyre great. if you cant transport those around though, use any thin but strong enough paper...tissue paper, for instance would rip. but, i agree ^^

xoxo
fliccolo257

If the cigarette papers you use have a sticky edge, or are "gummed," you should replace them with "non-gummed" papers, or at least take the time to trim the gummed edge off. You do not want that to accidentally get on the pads of your flute.