The crack runs from the ring of the bottom joint (above the three holes covered by the right hand if you’re a righty) and runs for about an inch. It is a hairline crack, barely noticeable. I am fairly certain it is not moisture related, I think it has to do with joint strain… Anyway it doesn’t seem to be leaking, but is there any action I should take to make sure it stays stable? (The flute is one of Gabriel’s btw.) Luckily I am visiting Tom Aebi’s workshop next week, so I can have him look at it as well.
I have PM’d him naturally. Just to clarify, I don’t think the maker is relevant; the workmanship of the flute is excellent. I’m sure the crack is due to my mishandling in some way. I just included the maker for information’s sake.
If you have a crack under the ring at the socket it certainly can be moisture related.
If you’ve got a dry socket it will crack when the the tenon cork or thread picks up moisture from playing. The inner wood of the socket will also expand faster than the outer can that can cause the crack too.
Make sure you’ve got it in a stable humid environment before you test thread or cork.