Got a new-to-me flute and, when I went to adjust the cork it was quite loose and popped out. It was musty smelling and black with what I assumed to be mildew. Any thoughts on whether/how to clean it or to just put in a new one?

Thanks and best wishes.

Steve

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"Do not resent growing old. Many are denied the privilege."

I'd replace it. Mildew is tricky and cork is easy to replace. Just check out the youtube videos for clarinet cork replacement. The same steps will do you well. I got some cork off ebay a while ago, and musicmedic.com is also a reliable resource that would likely sell you a kit of everything you need. It won't be expensive.

I am thinking you are talking about the head joint cork. They do make them but I have only seen them for Boehm style flutes and I do not believe they are the same diameter. If yours is still one piece you should be able replicate one out of a wine cork. It should be an easy material to work with. I would definitely replace it though.

Yeah, I should have clarified that it's the head cork. Now to find someone who doesn't drink wine out of a screw top bottle.

Actually, there's a vineyard a couple of miles down the road.....

Best wishes.

Steve

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"Do not resent growing old. Many are denied the privilege."

If it is in the 19mm range, I´ve had good luck getting suitable corks from Tawny Port wine bottles. The kind with a plastic top and attached cork extending into the bottle neck. Double win, a new cork, and a new bottle of wine!


Bob

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Not everything you can count, counts. And not everything that counts, can be counted

The Expert's Mind has few possibilities.
The Beginner's mind has endless possibilities.
Shunryu Suzuki, Roshi

I have nothing constructive to add to this post, but I think The Musty Cork would be a great name for a pub.

make a new cork

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Choose you this day, whom ye shall serve

I never would have guessed there were vineyards in Massachusetts!


Yes indeed!

Returning to topic, musty wouldn't bother me (call me an odd duck if you want, but I like the smell of old books and libraries), but mildew would. As others have said, cork appears to be a consumable, so the existing cork is best replaced.

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I seem to have a mild to moderate case of WhOAD!