Hello,
This is my first posting, so i apologize to all who feel this has been answered thoroughly, i haven't found a definite answer searching the discussions.
So here is the question, I have ordered my first wooden flute (have been playing a dixon polymer 3 piece) and I have read about flutes requiring a "break-in period" to distribute moisture in the wood and prevent the flute from expanding too fast and cracking. However, different sources would contradict each other about how long and how to play in the flute, the duration of the period reaching from ten days to two months, so this goes out to all of the flute players (and all the others who by some chance know something about this topic): How long does it take in your opinion to "break in" the flute safely, and how would you do that (i.e. three times a day five minutes or twenty minutes once a day,...).
While i suppose there is no definite answer, enough opinions maybe will lead to a widely accepted view, anyway thanks for your answers
Short session not more than ten minutes long in the first week, sweep the flute out after playing. Raise playing time in 5 minutes steps per week for the next 4-6 weeks. You'll be on the safe side then, even though your flute probably won't crack if you play longer.
When I bought my flute I was told the same as S.G. except I was told to not play it for more than 10 minutes in the first two weeks and to raise the playing time for the next weeks. I was also told to oil the flute every two weeks for the first few months and slowly do it less and less as time went on. Hope that helps!
Dan
Thank you, it defenitely helped seeing a "common average" and i am sure going to ask gilles too. Sorry, I feel i didn't get the joke of the self oiling flute, i bet it was funny if i knew what you were refering to
Revisiting this thread more info for someone who might look it up, my flute arrived and the maker suggested that no break in time was needed, however it is vital to oil the flute a lot and mop it out after playing. In hindsight, this worked for his flute, I have it for almost 3 weeks now and I'm still oiling on a daily base, always mopping out and greasing the (very tight) cork everytime I assemble it. But don't take this as advice, Austria has a pretty damp climate, much the same as France, which was a huge benefit I'm convinced.
How long to safely "break in" a flute
How long to safely "break in" a flute
Hello,
This is my first posting, so i apologize to all who feel this has been answered thoroughly, i haven't found a definite answer searching the discussions.
So here is the question, I have ordered my first wooden flute (have been playing a dixon polymer 3 piece) and I have read about flutes requiring a "break-in period" to distribute moisture in the wood and prevent the flute from expanding too fast and cracking. However, different sources would contradict each other about how long and how to play in the flute, the duration of the period reaching from ten days to two months, so this goes out to all of the flute players (and all the others who by some chance know something about this topic): How long does it take in your opinion to "break in" the flute safely, and how would you do that (i.e. three times a day five minutes or twenty minutes once a day,...).
While i suppose there is no definite answer, enough opinions maybe will lead to a widely accepted view, anyway thanks for your answers
# Posted on March 31st 2008 by TMB
Re: How long to safely "break in" a flute
But you're after saying your flute is polymer?
# Posted on March 31st 2008 by Rudall the time
Re: How long to safely "break in" a flute
oops. just re-read your post. Apologies.
# Posted on March 31st 2008 by Rudall the time
Re: How long to safely "break in" a flute
Short session not more than ten minutes long in the first week, sweep the flute out after playing. Raise playing time in 5 minutes steps per week for the next 4-6 weeks. You'll be on the safe side then, even though your flute probably won't crack if you play longer.
# Posted on March 31st 2008 by s.g.
Re: How long to safely "break in" a flute
When I bought my flute I was told the same as S.G. except I was told to not play it for more than 10 minutes in the first two weeks and to raise the playing time for the next weeks. I was also told to oil the flute every two weeks for the first few months and slowly do it less and less as time went on. Hope that helps!
Dan
# Posted on March 31st 2008 by dannym
Re: How long to safely "break in" a flute
Surely it depends on the wood it's made from?
# Posted on March 31st 2008 by ...
Re: How long to safely "break in" a flute
The flute will be (it's still in the making) made of african blackwood, made by Gilles Lehart.
# Posted on March 31st 2008 by TMB
Re: How long to safely "break in" a flute
As you say different makers give conflicting advice, i'd go by Gilles recommendation.
# Posted on March 31st 2008 by Seasider
Re: How long to safely "break in" a flute
african black wood is self oiling
# Posted on March 31st 2008 by ...
Re: How long to safely "break in" a flute
self oiling, huh? i think that only works if the player stays well oiled.
# Posted on March 31st 2008 by Dont
Re: How long to safely "break in" a flute
Dont: don't we all?
I think I have a stutter
# Posted on April 1st 2008 by jamascc
Thank you all
Thank you, it defenitely helped seeing a "common average" and i am sure going to ask gilles too. Sorry, I feel i didn't get the joke of the self oiling flute, i bet it was funny if i knew what you were refering to
# Posted on April 1st 2008 by TMB
Re: How long to safely "break in" a flute
Revisiting this thread more info for someone who might look it up, my flute arrived and the maker suggested that no break in time was needed, however it is vital to oil the flute a lot and mop it out after playing. In hindsight, this worked for his flute, I have it for almost 3 weeks now and I'm still oiling on a daily base, always mopping out and greasing the (very tight) cork everytime I assemble it. But don't take this as advice, Austria has a pretty damp climate, much the same as France, which was a huge benefit I'm convinced.
# Posted on May 12th 2008 by TMB