Caring for your Flute
Taking the steps described below to maintain your flute not only enhances the longevity of your flute but also provides a deeper connection to it as well.
Every flute made by Elemental Flutes is made using either wood or bamboo. These need the loving care from your hand to extend there life.
Don't set them in the sun for long periods of time and keep them out of cars on hot and cold days. Wood loves to shift and move with temperature and moisture, so also keep them in a nice space that is slightly humid (around 45-55%)
As you play your flute, moisture builds up in the SAC (slow air chamber) and the track area. After many hours of playing and over a period of time (Depending on how much you play), they will need to be re-oiled in the SAC chamber and the track area. This can easily be done with a soft cloth and oil.
The recommended oils. (make sure they are all natural with no chemical additives)
- Tung oil
- Walnut Oil
- Hazelnut Oil
It is also beneficial to add 5 drops of Tea Tree oil per 1/2 oz of wood oil. This helps to prevent the growth of mold and bad bacteria within the SAC.
How to re-oil your flute.
First take off the flute block by untying the leather and remove it completely. Then pour the oil into the flutes SAC at the back of the track. Use your finger to close both the mouth hole and the hole you poured the oil into and swish the oil around until you feel that it has completely covered all of the surface area in the SAC. Then let the oil pour out back into your oil container (unless you plan on cooking with it later:). Also use a small amount of oil in the track area and gently wipe off the excess with a soft cloth making sure not to damage the knife edge of the sound hole. Then tie the block back on and your free to play your flute for another 6 months to a year.
Every flute I make is finished with an all-natural wax mixture that includes:
Beeswax
Caurnuba Wax
Tung Oil
Essential oils including - Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, and others for different scents.
If your looking at purchasing your own wax, most wood waxes will do just fine with beeswax base. With added Caurnuba Wax it will add a bit more shine depending on the wax and how much you polish it.
How to apply the wax to the Body of the Flute:
First take off the flute block by untying the leather and remove it completely. Then take a soft cloth and put some wax on it. Take the wax and gently rub it over the flute. Apply a light even coat so that you can feel wax on it but not see clumps of wax.
Do not put any wax into the track/flue area of the nest, (beneath where the block sits) only do the oil treatment to this area.
After you have applied wax to your flute let it sit for an hour or 2. Then come back to it and take a soft cloth and gently polish the flute so that it feels smooth to the touch.
Wax your flute as often as you feel is necessary, every 6 months to yearly would be a good practice.
Every flute made by Elemental Flutes is made using either wood or bamboo. These need the loving care from your hand to extend there life.
Don't set them in the sun for long periods of time and keep them out of cars on hot and cold days. Wood loves to shift and move with temperature and moisture, so also keep them in a nice space that is slightly humid (around 45-55%)
As you play your flute, moisture builds up in the SAC (slow air chamber) and the track area. After many hours of playing and over a period of time (Depending on how much you play), they will need to be re-oiled in the SAC chamber and the track area. This can easily be done with a soft cloth and oil.
The recommended oils. (make sure they are all natural with no chemical additives)
- Tung oil
- Walnut Oil
- Hazelnut Oil
It is also beneficial to add 5 drops of Tea Tree oil per 1/2 oz of wood oil. This helps to prevent the growth of mold and bad bacteria within the SAC.
How to re-oil your flute.
First take off the flute block by untying the leather and remove it completely. Then pour the oil into the flutes SAC at the back of the track. Use your finger to close both the mouth hole and the hole you poured the oil into and swish the oil around until you feel that it has completely covered all of the surface area in the SAC. Then let the oil pour out back into your oil container (unless you plan on cooking with it later:). Also use a small amount of oil in the track area and gently wipe off the excess with a soft cloth making sure not to damage the knife edge of the sound hole. Then tie the block back on and your free to play your flute for another 6 months to a year.
Every flute I make is finished with an all-natural wax mixture that includes:
Beeswax
Caurnuba Wax
Tung Oil
Essential oils including - Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, and others for different scents.
If your looking at purchasing your own wax, most wood waxes will do just fine with beeswax base. With added Caurnuba Wax it will add a bit more shine depending on the wax and how much you polish it.
How to apply the wax to the Body of the Flute:
First take off the flute block by untying the leather and remove it completely. Then take a soft cloth and put some wax on it. Take the wax and gently rub it over the flute. Apply a light even coat so that you can feel wax on it but not see clumps of wax.
Do not put any wax into the track/flue area of the nest, (beneath where the block sits) only do the oil treatment to this area.
After you have applied wax to your flute let it sit for an hour or 2. Then come back to it and take a soft cloth and gently polish the flute so that it feels smooth to the touch.
Wax your flute as often as you feel is necessary, every 6 months to yearly would be a good practice.