sticky key

jfoster · Post by **jfoster** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 7:23 am

alrite i just got a flute yesterday so bear with me. the key the you usually rest your second finger on is acting strangely. if i push the bflat catch(i think its called) the key will go down to the hole and slowly move back up. what should i do? is it supposed to go down over the hole? or not move at all?

atoriphile · Post by **atoriphile** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 7:53 am

Sounds like it's time to take your flute in for repair. I wouldn't suggest trying to fix the problem yourself.

pied_piper · Post by **pied_piper** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 10:37 am

If this is a new flute, I agree with jfoster, it needs to be checked by a repair tech.

However, if the flute is not new and it has been sitting around unused for a while, the oil may have dried-up and that could be causing the slow key return. But here again, if you are new to the flute, it might be a good idea to get someone like a repair tech or a flute teacher to check it.

The wrong type oil or too much oil can be a problem too. Do not be tempted to apply key oil or any other lubricant, unless you are familiar with how to do it. Seek instruction from a professional before you attempt to do it yourself.

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 1:51 pm

Even if it is new, depending on how long it has been sitting in a warehouse, or the storage room at the dealer, the oil could have dried up.

Definately take it to a tech.

Callidor · Post by **Callidor** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 5:59 pm

do as others have said and take it to a professional. In answer to your other question, depressing the Bb lever with your thumb, or the Bb shake should bring down the key next to the key that you press with your left index finger. this is not the key that you should be pressing with your second left finger though. refer to a fingering chart. i like this one: http://www.markshep.com/flute/Fingers.html

jfoster · Post by **jfoster** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 9:45 am

ya, see i looked at a flute that was working and i figured it out. when you push the lever the key in between the second and first finger should go down. but the one your second finger is on does weird stuff and goes halfway down. i think im takin it to a tech today or tomorrow

Callidor · Post by **Callidor** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 9:51 am

ok, yeah good. if the key your second finger is actually on is moving, somethings wrong.