Storing your instrument:
When not using the instrument, keep it closed in its case to help protect the finish from unnecessary exposure to impurities in the air, especially in geographic areas affected by salt or sulfur content. Also, keeping it in its case helps prevent the possibility of damage by dropping it or sitting on it accidentally. Do not store the instrument in areas of extreme temperature changes. Keep the instrument away from radiators or from windows where direct sunlight can cause extreme heat.
Putting your flute together:
Before assembling the instrument, wipe the tenons (ends) clean. Never use grease, oil or silver polish on tenons. When assembling the instrument, avoid grabbing the key mechanism. Carefully, but firmly, hold the main body and insert the tenons in the receivers with a twisting motion.
Putting your flute away:
After you have played your instrument, clean it before putting it away. Moisture left inside the flute can cause faster pad deterioration. Cleaning the inside can be done by threading a clean absorbent cloth through the slot on the cleaning rod (wrap the cloth around the rod) and running the rod through the inside of the flute. The outside or the flute may be wiped with a clean cloth to remove finger marks.
Tarnish prevention:
If you wish to preserve the finish of your instrument, we suggest using a high quality silver polishing cloth. Perspiration or body acids can cause tarnishing on silver finishes, and occasional use of a polishing cloth will keep the finish looking better. We do not recommend the use of liquid silver polish.
Key mechanism:
The key mechanism may be oiled occasionally and sparingly with high quality key oil, however this job is best done by a repairer when the flute is serviced.
Pad care:
Pads may get dirty and sticky even when you do your best to keep them clean. After playing and while the pads are still damp, insert a piece of thin absorbent paper between the pad and tone hole. Press lightly on the pad to soak up any moisture. Repeat this two or three times.
Yamaha’s Product and repair specialist Brae Grimes takes you through the ins and outs of setting up your flute, how to correctly clean it and best practice for keeping your instrument in great condition.
A wood piccolo occasionally needs the bore oiled. Sparingly apply bore oil to a cloth swab and draw through the bore, making sure the oil does not get on the pads. To help avoid cracking, keep your piccolo away from extreme temperatures and, when not playing, store the instrument in its case.
Repair and maintenance:
Worn felts, worn corks, loose pads, bent springs or keys can result after a period of continuous use. We recommend the instrument be serviced at least once a year by a competent service technician. This will keep the instrument in top playing condition and help avoid costly repairs later on.