Expert: Kenton Scott - 7/14/2006

Question
I am hoping to get a little advice on making sure I oil an older piccolo or flute properly. I have cared for my instruments well, but since children have come along the past 12 years, for the most part I have not played nearly as much as I would like and the instruments have been sitting there. I am worried about their function and hope I do not have to invest significant money in an overhaul at this point. The specific instruments to which I am referring are a Yamaha piccolo YPC 62 (1986), and a Muramatsu flute (1982).  Thanks.

Answer
Well, woodwinds aren't really my area, but . . .


You have good equipment, so assuming that they were in good repair when you put them away, then I would think that all you would need to do would be to to check them over.  Check your pads, and alignment.  Check the springs and see that they seem to have about the right tension.  Put a drop of oil at the posts, and check that the screws aren't loose.

If all that checks out, I think you should be good to go.  

Play them.  If they seem to be working ok, then they probably are ok.