Fuzzy sound

[Bex]

Hey.
I have been playing the flute for about 8 years now. I am about to do some informal performance and now my flute is sounding all fuzzy. the high notes are fine because i can belt them out but the middle and lower notes, although the volume is fine, sound as though there is something inside the flute flickering around, or as if the sound is muffled. I looked up proper playing technique on the internet, tried some advice i found there, but it didn't make a difference. I also tried removing the end cap to see if the cork was loose but it looks like mine is screwed in place and there is a metal plate on top of it so i don't think that's the problem either. I did read that sometimes the keypads get too full of moisture, could that be the problem and can i dry them out myself?

[pied_piper]

Hey.
my flute is sounding all fuzzy. the high notes are fine because i can belt them out but the middle and lower notes, although the volume is fine, sound as though there is something inside the flute flickering around, or as if the sound is muffled.

Did this happen suddenly or is it something that has gradually gotten worse?

Two things immediately come to mind:
1 - A screw has worked loose and the screw or a key is vibrating. Does it seem worse on certain middle or low notes or is it consistent on all middle and low notes?
2 - A pad skin has become torn and it could be "buzzing". Take a good hard look at EVERY pad. Look for a torn skin, but it might be hard to spot especially if it's torn in the back near the key hinge rod. Also, if a pad is leaking, it can cause a fuzzy sound like you describe and typically that affects the middle and lower notes more than the third octave.

Do you know another experienced flutist that could try your flute to see if they get the same fuzzy or buzzing sound when they play it. If they do, then you need to have a repair technician check your flute.

[Bex]

Ok thanks for that. I'll have a looksee:-)

[flutepicc06]

Fuzziness in the tone (particularly in the low and middle octaves) is often a symptom of leaks. Even minute air leaks can result in a decline in tone quality, so I would suggest you have your flute looked over by a flute tech. If you haven't had your flute serviced in the last year, it's due for a visit to your tech anyway.