| Woodwind instruments WITHOUT mouthpieces: Piccolo, Flute |
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EVERY DAY -
Glance at the instrument to check for loose or missing screws. Check especially the 1st. finger "C" key hinge rod, the top key stack pivot screw, and the bottom key stack pivot screw.
After playing , clean excess moisture from the instrument bore with the tuning rod and a small soft cloth and wipe fingerprints from the exterior surface.
Carefully place the instrument in the case, checking for weak or broken case latches.
Avoid placing excessive amounts of "stuff" in the case that might damage the instrument.
DO NOTs -
Do not place the instrument on a music stand, chair, bed, or other surface from where it can fall or where it can be sat upon. Most instruments are damaged from falling or being dropped or being crushed. Always hold the instrument, have it held by another player, or put it in the case.
Do not twist or play with the head joint "crown". Constant tightening and loosening will wear the soft threads and cause the crown to unscrew and be more easily lost.
Do not attempt to adjust the instrument. Most adjustment problems brought to the repair shop are from over-adjusting and regulating of the instrument's keys. Adjustment screws become worn with constant tightening and loosening, lessening their ability to stay in the correct position.
Do not brush against the exposed pad surface while cleaning or polishing the instrument. The pad skin is easily worn and contact will cause premature failure of the pad.
Do not over-use liquid polish on silver or nickel finishes. Residue from the polish coats the pads and promotes "rusting" of the hinge rods and pivot screws. Overuse of polish causes unattractive accumulation under the keys and is difficult to properly remove.
Do not allow the instrument to become water-soaked. Rain water and excessively damp weather will cause pad failure and "rusting" of pivot screws and hinge rods.
Do not over-oil the keys. Excess oil can penetrate the pads and corks. Excess oil will dissolve glue and cause key corks to fall off the instrument. A small drop of oil at each pivot point is all that is needed.
Do not oil the keys more often than once a month. If your band director prefers that you do not oil the instrument, refer to a qualified repairman.
DOs
Do keep a small soft cotton cloth in the instrument case or available to wipe fingerprints off the instrument and use it to clean the bore. A few drops of plain water on the cloth will help clean fingerprints off the instrument.
Avoid contacting the pad surface or key corks with the cloth.
Do learn to properly remove the head cork, clean the head joint, and reinstall the head cork. Most flutes have never had the cork removed and properly installed. Without proper care, the head cork becomes dried out and poorly fitting, causing the instrument to play out of tune and "un-centered"
Do avoid contact with the pad surfaces and key corks when cleaning or polishing the instrument. Key corks are necessary because they regulate the proper height of the keys and silence the metal-to-metal contact when the instrument is played.
Do learn to properly oil the pivot points and hinge rods. Oil not only lubricates moving parts but also coats the hinge rod and pivot point metal - reducing oxidation - and helps avoid "rusting" or corrosion caused by moisture and bi-metal contact.
Do use a small, soft paint brush to carefully remove dust from under the keys. Be very careful to avoid breaking off the small key corks.
RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES:
Handkerchief-size soft cleaning cloth (periodically cleaned in the clothes washer)
Tuning Rod (for cleaning bore of instrument)
Key oil (use sparingly)
MOST COMMON REPAIR PROBLEMS:
Loose foot joint (Tenon joint rounded off)
Bb thumb or R.H. first finger Bb out of adjustment
Loose hinge rod on top "C" key
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