Proper maintenance is essential to keeping your flute in top condition. Here's some handy tips to make sure that it stays in the best playing condition possible!

1. When assembling the flute never touch the keys.  Hold the end of the foot joint with one hand and the head joint receiver end of the body in the other hand.  Slowly twist the two parts together.  Next, hold onto the head joint receiver while slowly twisting the head joint onto the body.


2. Remove moisture from the inside of the flute by using a flute cleaning rod with a small rag attached through the slit in the end.  Pad Saver swags are not recommended because they tend to shed fibers causing leaks in the pads.  They also tend to trap moisture inside the instrument.


3. Never use liquid polish or paste such as Silvo on your flute.  Polishes can gum up the key mechanism and destroy the pads.  Wipe down the keys and body after playing with a tissue or soft cloth.  If the instrument appears tarnished it is best to take it to a qualified technician and have it professionally polished and adjusted.


4. If the joints fit too tightly clean the tenons and receivers with a solvent and cloth and try again (do NOT use cork grease).  If the fit is still too tight take your instrument to a qualified technician.  Do not force the joints together as you may bend the keys.


5. Never store cleaning cloths or anything else on top of the flute in the case.  The flute is made to fit snuggly into the case.  Storing items other than the instrument can bend the keys.


6. Check the position of the head joint cork periodically using your cleaning ord.  The notch in the rod should align with the middle of the aperture of the flute lip plate.  Also, check for leaks in your head joint by closing the aperture hole with your thumb and sucking air out of the tenon end.