TUNING SLIDE

[Michael w6]

I read somewhere, forget the source, that one should apply a dab of lubricant such as cork grease, to a whistle's tuning slide once a month or so. Is this a common practice?

[RoberTunes]

The first "source" I'd pay attention to, is the manufacturer. There are a variety of materials and designs used for the slide section of a whistle, and different materials require different types of maintenance. O-rings, synthetic wrap, brass slide, cork, etc., they should all only get exactly what the manufacturer recommends.

If you can't get a response out of a manufacturer for any reason, determine what the slide material is made of and if you can find another model of whistle with the same material being used, contact that manufacturer.

[facet]

Slides….

Metal against metal: Petroleum-based grease
Metal against o-ring: Silicone grease
Metal against plastic: Silicone grease
Plastic against plastic: Silicone grease, or a smear of beeswax

[pancelticpiper]

Most of my Low Whistles have a metal tenon and metal socket but there's an intentional gap there for Teflon plumber's tape, or waxed thread if you prefer. These require no maintenance.

I very much prefer this sort of tuning slide over the type with rubber O-rings like Burke and Susato.

I find that I have to take apart and lubricate Burkes on a fairly regular basis or they'll seize up.

I'm spoiled a bit by the tenon-and-socket joints on bagpipes, which have waxed "hemp" wrapped around the tenons. If you do a good hemping job the joint will work fine for years with no maintenance.

[facet]

...I find that I have to take apart and lubricate Burkes on a fairly regular basis or they'll seize up...

Try Sil-Glyde on the Burkes https://tinyurl.com/yaysoacb