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This month I want to look at the kind of checks you can do yourself on your flute or clarinet to make sure it is in good working order.

Lets start with flutes and checking tuning - on your cleaning rod there should be a line cut round the circumference about 2cm from the end. Push the rod gently into the head tube until it is stopped by the headcork plate.The line on the rod should be exactly in the middle of the hole in the lip plate. If by any chance it is not you can centralise it using the head crown, turning it clockwise to flatten and anticlockwise to sharpen.

With tuning now checked and if necessary corrected have a look at the head joint for signs of corrosion together with the inside of the joint at the top of the flute body. Small build ups can be cleaned with a little metal polish on a cloth but heavy deposits should be left to a repairer. It is most important to look for any signs of corrosion and don’t leave the head in your flute body overnight as it may become stuck.

Now check the foot joint looking for signs of looseness or play . When removing the foot joint always twist and pull in a straight line because if you don’t the end of the tenon tube will bell over creating play.

If there is distortion or slackness in the joint then once again it will be a job for a repairer.

Finally check your instrument for double action . Flute keywork works in various key combinations and there should be no slackness in the action between one key and another. The process of ensuring keys work correctly in sequence is called regulation and is best left to a repairer - do not be tempted to alter adjuster screws yourself as each screw can affect several aspects of the playing action.

Now for clarinets. As you put your instrument together check that the joints are tight and go together smoothly. If they are too tight apply a little cork grease. Torn or loose cork will need replacing by a repairer.

Is your mouthpiece clean? No , then clean it with a soft cloth or for more stubborn build-ups use soap and water. On some of the horrors I see in the workshop I use a disinfectant dip after having to scrape with a knife - twenty years of Guinness and cigarettes.

There are two problems I see very frequently in the workshop the first being the key on the top section which overlaps the bottom section . When putting the clarinet together make sure you hold down the top section ring key so when the two sections are twisted and pushed together the corresponding key on the bottom section doesn’t knock the cork off or even worse bend the key.

Secondly you should try playing over the break to check the lowest note in the upper register speaks clearly. If it doesn’t its likely that the bottom two pads are not seating accurately together and need adjustment - again a job for a repairer.

Finally both flautists and clarinettists can check the pads. If you see a torn one or one with the felt visible get a repairer to replace it.

I’ll be back next month with another topic

To order any item or get more details phone 01305 756156

or email us at sales@melodyworks.com...