Ok my flute is brand new and ive used it like 9 times. Its already all dull looking?
2007-09-09 12:20:05 · 4 answers · asked by ? 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
The dullness factor could be of any number of reasons. Chances are that there's probably some sort of chemical reaction between your skin and the metal in the flute. One of the most basic things about maintaining your flute is to wipe it off with a soft, lint free cloth after every use. That way, there's less of a chance for chemicals in the air and on your skin that will interact with the flute. NEVER EVER use actual silver polish of any sort on your flute. The stuff can VERY easily cause major damage to the pads and mechanism, causing the instrument to become unplayable. If your'e ever in doubt about using something on your flute, then don't as it's better to be safe than sorry.
However, a thing to keep in mind is that dullness in color has NO affect on the sound. It just affects the look and some flutists actually like the tarnished look. If you do decide to use a polishing cloth, please be careful as polishing actually strips away the material ona very gradual basis and NEVER use it on your tenons. It can attact a bunch of dirt and grease and make your footjoint fall off. Plus, the chemicals in the cloth can sometimes react with your skin, causing what we call a "flutist beard" as you don't want to be walking around with grayish black imprint on your lip and chin...learned that lesson from personal experience. lol.
If your skin oils are very acidic, that may cuase discoloration. I'm not sure what you would be able to do, except for washing your hands with natural soap (kiss my face is a good one) and eating a healthful diet.
Hope this helps.
2007-09-09 12:57:10 · answer #1 · answered by jfluterpicc_98 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a friend who plays flute quite well. He wears latex gloves in summer sidewalk work and gets by using leather
when snow is in the air. It is about keep your flute clean
and frostbite away. Sure, he wipes the dust off with a soft
rag, but I'm told its only dull looking because I'm staring at my reflection. I get to push his wheelchair over the higher curbs.
2007-09-10 00:09:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use a jewelry polishing cloth on most of it, but where the pieces fit together and turn all funky I use Brasso, found at your local grocery store.
2007-09-09 20:07:39 · answer #3 · answered by micropreemiemommy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
good silver polish and a very soft cloth. buff well.
2007-09-09 21:14:26 · answer #4 · answered by dana0693 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋