I recently bought a new Blackwood flute (a month ago), and about 2 weeks ago moved to a slightly damper place (around 5-10% increase in humidity).
Yesterday noticed that the mid section is a little tighter than usual when assembling it.
It is not too much just a tad bit, but I want to be cautious and seek advice on whether I should be worried and do something preemptively or this is normal.
Thanks!
Flute Swell?
-
- Posts: 81
- Joined: Thu Feb 06, 2020 3:07 pm
- antispam: No
- Please enter the next number in sequence: 8
- Tell us something.: Learning more about flutes here, and looking for good makers. Also used instrument exchange is very convenient.
- Location: CA
- cavefish
- Posts: 1016
- Joined: Sat Jan 29, 2005 4:22 am
- antispam: No
- Please enter the next number in sequence: 8
- Tell us something.: been out of it for awhile and decided to start back up on the flute and whistle , been doing NAFs and saxophones
- Location: San Pedro
Re: Flute Swell?
i think its normal for new flutes. and re establising an old flute,, from a wood itself perspective
i was reading awhile back, one known flute maker company Windward flutes, they stated this happens , also a period table was established for playing times to succesfully achieve a slow absorbion processed stable flute, from their persective --that being said they use string instead of cork (added and removed accordingly ) i have just started getting into the flute myself,, been doing some research, on various aspects of the wood flute-one of the end results on this subject was leaving the flute together after being played and swabbed out , this compresses the string/cork to conform to the shape given, more relaxed fit--oiling patterns are involved too (mine is the lightly and frequently pattern)-i do this to my flute ,,but i also have silver ferrule rings for added strength on the barrels, i would not advice any sanding down of cork-----my thoughts -----did you talk to the maker
i was reading awhile back, one known flute maker company Windward flutes, they stated this happens , also a period table was established for playing times to succesfully achieve a slow absorbion processed stable flute, from their persective --that being said they use string instead of cork (added and removed accordingly ) i have just started getting into the flute myself,, been doing some research, on various aspects of the wood flute-one of the end results on this subject was leaving the flute together after being played and swabbed out , this compresses the string/cork to conform to the shape given, more relaxed fit--oiling patterns are involved too (mine is the lightly and frequently pattern)-i do this to my flute ,,but i also have silver ferrule rings for added strength on the barrels, i would not advice any sanding down of cork-----my thoughts -----did you talk to the maker
Choose you this day, whom ye shall serve
-
- Posts: 731
- Joined: Sat Mar 15, 2003 8:06 pm
- antispam: No
- Please enter the next number in sequence: 8
Re: Flute Swell?
If this is a new flute it would be getting a little tighter as it absorbs moisture from playing. And the added humidity in your environment could be at play here as well.tradlad123 wrote:I recently bought a new Blackwood flute (a month ago), and about 2 weeks ago moved to a slightly damper place (around 5-10% increase in humidity).
Yesterday noticed that the mid section is a little tighter than usual when assembling it.
It is not too much just a tad bit, but I want to be cautious and seek advice on whether I should be worried and do something preemptively or this is normal.
Thanks!
Keep following your maker's advice for the break in period for their flutes. It's been awhile since I started fresh with a flute, but playing for short periods and swabbing are important for many new wooden flutes. I think some makers suggest a week or two before you can play for hours on end.
Even if it is just a new to you flute following the same pattern of playing, swabbing and resting the flute would be wise.
Wood does swell and shrink a bit. The trick is keeping it under control.