Expert: Joe Piccolo - 9/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi joe, i think you can help me with this, I'm sure you've run into this... if not any suggestions

Model(if it helps) is Rosettii, which is a cheapie brand I know, but still X___x

My "G" key, or the 3rd finger (or the 5th key if you count all the keys) is VERY hard to press and wont close all the way if i don't press HARD. it and the one right under it (it closes with it, on the Bohem system) wont close easily, and I've looked around on my flute and NO tuning screw affects it.. it has its own separate bar for just those two keys, so I dont know how to make it easier to depress. On my flute, no other key affects either two keys when pressed, so I cant use any of those screws either...

does anyone know how to fix this? I may upload a youtube video if necessary, I KNOW I can fix this myself, but I just don't know how to go about it.

Thanks in advance

~Chris~

ANSWER: Chris,

What you have described sounds like a binding issue to me. You are correct the double "g" key operates on it's own. There are no other linkages (except for a split E mechanism) that attach to the key work.

From my understanding of your question the key will ot close under normal spring tension, it requires super human strength!!!!!!

O.K. here we go.

The first thing I need yo to try is loosening  the hinge rod that runs through the double G key.
What did you notice? Did it help?

If not remove the "steel"  and look for rust, if its rusty it need's to be cleaned with lighter fluid and very fine steel wool (oooo brand) then take a pipe cleaner with the lighter fluid and clean the hinge tube. Apply oil to the hinge tube and the steel. Re assemble and re-test. Mind the spring when you perform this task. Does the spring fit in the post good and snug?

Other things to try and notice

Check to see that you do not have anything "extra" under the "tail" of the "G" key. The tail is the little part at the back of the key that makes contact with the body. Although this would affect the key's open position, it's a good place to start. What did you notice?

Is the spring that operates the G key properly aligned in the spring catch?

Is the G# key rubbing against the double G key?

Is there any clicking noises when you press the double G key?

Is there any binding or other bent keys contacting the G key ?

Look at the front of the flute, do both of the double G keys look even? Or is one lower than the other? If it is it will be difficult to play past an A-Ab.

Do the pads appear to be closing at the back first?

Does the G key feel "tight" through the whole range of motion? Or just in the beginning or the end of the motion?

Question for you?

Is the flute in line G or off set?

Does the key return to an up position slowly?

When was the last time you oiled the flute?

Visit my blog @

http://thebalancedscale.wordpress.com/


Has the flute been dropped? Look down the inside of the instrument (the bore) and notice if there are any dents. Perhaps the post has sustained some damage causing binding.


I look forward to your reply.

Joe Piccolo


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Question for you?

Is the flute in line G or off set?
Offset. Both keys appear even and close even... I can't really tell if the pad is sealing in the back first but It seems like it might be...

Does the key return to an up position slowly?
No, the spring action seems to be working fine, but after the first %90 of the trip, EXTRA force is required to push it the rest of the way down.

When was the last time you oiled the flute?

O____o it was oiled last year around Christmas.. maybe a little before. Although, I was not the one who oiled it and i'm not sure if everything was oiled.

Answer
Chris,

Did you try backing out the steel? (thats the metal "screw" that the key rotates on")

Check for any points of contact from the double G key to the G#, the spring cradle (where the spring connects to the key) there can be little clearance between the hingetube for the G# and the spring cradle on the double G

And finally is the left hand pinky G# key arm catching on the key cups for the double G?

Thats about all I have Chris, without having the flute on my bench to touch and see.

I see you on the flutist connect as well. Don't put any tarnex on your flute rods...it might work for the present moment but it will cause long term damage if it's not cleaned out. as far as vegitable oil, it will turn rancid in time.

Good luck for great notes, and if all else fails...take your flute to a repair shop. If you need me to reccomend you to a technician I can do so. Just provide me with your state, city, and zip code.

Joe Piccolo (no kidding)

www.thebalancedscale.com