"Flute patients" are healed here by specialists. We are happy to advise you about the care and expert handling of your instrument.

Wipe through with a thin cloth after playing, do not keep the cloth and cleaning stick in the instrument case. Clean the outside carefully with a soft cloth. Always close the case with care and ensure that the flute is packed properly. Do not powder the pads and do not clamp and withdraw cigarette paper between the pads and tone holes. This can damage the pads! Do not attempt repairs yourself!

The flute must be repaired when:

• It is already dusty and dirty and/or
• rattles when played,
• one is obliged to press very hard to play certain tones,
• the three to four deepest tones no longer respond clearly,
• a key sticks,
• one or more pads are split.

Oiling

Wipe the inner bore with a small piece of moist fibre-free cloth. Use sweet almond or linseed oil. The wood should shine but not be dripping wet. Caution with the head-joint: Only oil to within 2cm of the block! Spread a little oil on the labium with a brush. No oil must reach the block! Unvarnished flutes should also be occasionally oiled on the outside until they shine (not drip). To ensure that the no excess oil reaches the tone holes or the block, leave the flute out to dry overnight and covered with an old newspaper. Remove any excess oil with a dry cloth the next day. No oil should reach the keys and their pads!

How often should one oil?

Interior bore: every quarter or half year according to use. Exterior bore (only for non-varnished flutes): half-yearly to yearly.

Anti-condens

In persistent cases of hoarseness let a few drops of anti-condens trickle through the labium into the windway. Hold the headjoint with the upper end downward and blow out the surplus liquid. After this treatment it is necessary to let the instrument dry thoroughly outside its case. Have the flute checked after recurring severe blocking.

You can turn to us with all questions concerning the correct handling and care of your flute or recorder, we will be happy to help further!