A wooden flute maintenance question

[clark]

I see implied in some of these responses is the assumption that you take the flute apart in order to swab it. If, however, you get one of those "flute flags" (http://home.nethere.net/roger45/fluteflaga.htm) you can swab your instrument without taking it apart. I've used these for years and they are particularly useful during a gig. Several times in the course of a three hour gig I swab my flute out between tune sets. The kind that are mounted to a thin rod (that screws together) fits easily in a conical bore flute. Some of these are made with a thicker delrin rod that works on a silver flute, but not a trad.

[benhall.1]

I see implied in some of these responses is the assumption that you take the flute apart in order to swab it. If, however, you get one of those "flute flags" (http://home.nethere.net/roger45/fluteflaga.htm) you can swab your instrument without taking it apart. I've used these for years and they are particularly useful during a gig. Several times in the course of a three hour gig I swab my flute out between tune sets. The kind that are mounted to a thin rod (that screws together) fits easily in a conical bore flute. Some of these are made with a thicker delrin rod that works on a silver flute, but not a trad.

I think part of the point made by other posters is that, for periods when the flute is not in use, it may be advisable both to swab the flute and to take it apart. Otherwise moisture can remain in the joints and damage them.

[Nanohedron]

I think part of the point made by other posters is that, for periods when the flute is not in use, it may be advisable both to swab the flute and to take it apart. Otherwise moisture can remain in the joints and damage them.

Yes.

Personally, I wouldn't swab out during a performance. That is for after.

[benhall.1]

I think part of the point made by other posters is that, for periods when the flute is not in use, it may be advisable both to swab the flute and to take it apart. Otherwise moisture can remain in the joints and damage them.

Yes.

Personally, I wouldn't swab out during a performance. That is for after.

I agree.

[jemtheflute]

Responding to the last two posts, I do sometimes need to swab out during a performance or session. Some flutes seem to be "wetter" than others or more affected by accumulated water in the bore, and the old close all holes, take deep breath, choose target and give a long blast through the embouchure hole technique doesn't always clear it satisfactorily. Also some players are "wetter" than others, and varying ambient atmospheric conditions can affect the rate of accumulation of condensation in the bore.

On the other hand, at home, when I pause or finish playing, I rarely swab out or disassemble. The flute in use tends just to be stood upright in a safe place to drain/dry out by evaporation.