To oil or humidify

[fsharp]

Hi, I'm soon to acquire an 8-Key Fentum, which I'm supposing will not have been played for a year or so, Will i best allowing the flute acquire some moisture from a humidifier; playing it so that my moist breath humidifys it, or oil it first before playing? Any ideas?

[Nanohedron]

Blackwood? If so, my opinion is that oiling it is far less important than keeping it humidified at at least 45-50%, either in a container or ambiently. I wouldn't rely on breath alone to do the job right.

[benhall.1]

Isn't it more likely to be cocus? My Fentum is (which is still available to anyone who fancies one, btw).

I'd be interested to compare mine with yours, fsharp, since I think you're just up the road from me. Do you go to any sessions not too far from Ross?

[Jon C.]

I would say, first humidify it in a plastic container with a sponge, keeping the humidity around 50-60%, then after about a week oil it. You can play it during this time, but not so it is sopping inside. the trick is to get the flute evenly humidified inside and out, before oiling it, as the oil will impede the humidity.
The flute could be made from Cocus or a type of ebony. When Wylde went on his own, it might have been hard for him to get good quality timber, I have seen some of his early flutes made from this wood.

[fsharp]

Just received the flute nice instrument, How Do I upload photos?

[MTGuru]

Just received the flute nice instrument, How Do I upload photos?

viewtopic.php?style=1&f=5&t=23407

Basically: Upload your photos to a photo sharing site and paste the links in your post.

[Thalatta]

To fsharp and moderator, and anyone else who has a Fentum: would you mind providing photos and stamp details (addresses, initials appearing on the flute)? Thanks a lot. If you're interested, I posted a post, as you say... about a year ago with all the information I could collect (on my own and thanks to many chiffers here) about Fentums. Thanks,
Shane

[LorenzoFlute]

To fsharp and moderator, and anyone else who has a Fentum: would you mind providing photos and stamp details (addresses, initials appearing on the flute)? Thanks a lot. If you're interested, I posted a post, as you say... about a year ago with all the information I could collect (on my own and thanks to many chiffers here) about Fentums. Thanks,
Shane

Caoimhín Ó Feargháil plays a fancy looking Fentum (I think it's the one with wide rings at the beginning): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kSQGQi9_mg

[fsharp]

I'll post some pictures soon.

[fsharp]

The marks on the Fentum are H Fentum 6 Surrey St, Strand, London.
the keys have N or IN inscribed on them
Broad silver engraved rings on all sections
If you go to Pamelas Music.co.uk look under flutes and you'll see some good pictures.

[jemtheflute]

Nice catch. Good price, IMO.

[fsharp]

thanks Jem, I think so too!
One or two little hairline cracks, and there is a void in the wood all round the embouchure under the lipplate which I've temporarily filled with beeswax so that it's playable but with a nice breathy tone, but it'll have to be repaired properly fairly soon.

[Ronnie]

How humid must it be? Some say between 50 and 60, others say not below 40 or 40 percent. What is the exact humidity to preserve and keep my flutes. The best,
Ron