Storing your Jinyin Flute

When not using your 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 the instrument in its case helps prevent the possibility of damage by dropping it accidentally.

Do not store the instrument in areas of extreme temperature changes. Keep the instrument away from radiators, left in an automobile, or from windows where direct sunlight can cause extreme heat.

Putting your flute together

It is of vital importance that the mechanism (keys) and joints are not subjected to any stress during these procedures.

Do not take the flute out of its case by the mechanism.

Before assembling the instrument, wipe the tenons (ends) clean. Remember that even under normal circumstances, slight scratches on the tenons will appear after time since metal is rubbing against metal. Never use 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. Align the embouchure hole on the head joint (the section without keys) in direct line with the first (closest) key on the front of the main body (longest section). Align the rod on the foot joint (shortest joint with keys) exactly in the center of the last key on the main body. If you have any questions, your teacher will be glad to be of assistance.

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 pre-washed flannel 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 of the flute may be wiped with a plain damp cloth or instrumental polishing cloths to remove finger marks. Do not over polish the outside or over rub the outside.

Tarnish prevention tips

If you wish to preserve the finish of your instrument, we suggest using a high quality polishing cloth which has mild polishing chemicals embedded in the fabric. You will find this desirable since tarnishing is a characteristic of silver (which requires constant care).

A word about body acids: Perspiration or body acids can cause more severe tarnishing. More frequent use of the polishing cloth will keep the finish looking better. We do not recommend the use of silver polish. Silver is a soft metal and prolonged usage of an abrasive polish will cause signs of wear on the finish. Under no circumstances should you use any commercial silver polish on the instrument.

Opinions are varied about cleaning the flute body, but it is generally agreed that using silver polish is asking for trouble. It is too easy to get the polish into the joints of the mechanism or onto the pads. Some people, for whatever reason, are not bothered by the sight of tarnish, and do not clean the body at all.

Others like the flute to remain attractive, and eliminate tarnish on the body (and headjoint, and foot) using a tarnish cloth. These cloths, once denigrated due to the belief that they leave fine deposits which can interfere with the mechanism, have improved over the years and are now generally safe for the mechanism, as long as a high-quality cloth is used.

Nevertheless, they (or any other sort of cloth) should not be used to clean under the mechanism or on the rods and springs. It is simply too easy to snag the mechanism or a spring, and deform it. If it is essential that the flute's body be perfectly clean, it should be taken to a reputable shop, where the mechanism will be removed and the cleaning performed, on the bare tube, by experts.

Some people do not like tarnish cloths, and prefer simply to use a damp cloth of some non-fraying material. This works to keep the flute fairly clean, but will never eliminate tarnish, nor leave an anti-tarnish coating, the way a good tarnish cloth will.

Key mechanism

Oil the key mechanism occasionally and sparingly. Once every month should be sufficient and oil should be applied with a special key oiler to prevent excessive application. Wipe off any excessive oil carefully.

Pad care

Pads will get dirty and sticky even when you do your best to keep them clean. Pads may be cleaned using a small amount of alcohol on a cloth. Do not use water since it will cause pads to swell and ruin proper pad seating. Ensuring that you do not eat or drink during practice will assist you in your efforts to reduce moisture on your pads. Should sticky pads persist then contact your repairer. Drinking a cola or soda pop during playing is the quickest way to ruin your pads.

Normal Servicing

If you regularly play we suggest you have your Jinyin flute adjusted by a trusted service shop at least twice a year. It is relatively inexpensive to have your Jinyin flute adjusted (usually less than £15.00) and can help prolong the life of the pads, and keep the mechanism adjusted. Ask them to check and clean the pads, adjust tensions and key positions. This will ensure no unhappy surprises when you really need your flute during public performances.

1. Do not play with anything in your mouth (i.e. crumbs, bits of nuts, soda pop, etc.)

2. Always play with clean hands .

3. Do not slam the keys down when playing .

4. When putting the flute together, never grab the flute around the keys.

5. Clean the interior and exterior of the flute daily.

6. If you place the instrument down, do so onto a stand to let the interior drain.

7. Do not ignore any problems, but take care of them right away (for instance, if the pads are sticking, dry them with powder paper or clean with alcohol).

8. Take your flute in for twice yearly check-ups, at least.

9. Do not leave your instrument on the floor under any circumstances.

10. Treat your flute as if it is made of glass.

 new counter 1/12/03