AboutHerbert Smith Expertise I can answer questions about almost any flute-related topic. I have trained professionally as a flute repair tech and and music educator, and have a broad range of experiences as a performer. I also have plenty of experience with flutes of every level from a huge variety of manufacturers and built with every imaginable material or specification, and can comment on the quality of various instruments, as well as guide people through the flute-buying process. I'm willing and able to discuss various flute gadgets as well (Valgon rings, Foster extensions, etc.).
I am also glad to offer advice on how to approach difficulties within pieces of music, offer teaching tips to those who give lessons, provide suggestions for repertoire, as well as answer just about any other flute-related query you can throw at me! I'm also quite familiar with piccolo, alto, and other harmony flutes (including those in unusual keys, such as Eb flute, Db piccolo, G treble, etc.), and have experience building professional quality head joints.
Please note, however, that I am not an appraisal service, and will not provide estimates of value. Please do not ask me about the value of your flute.
Experience I'm a professional repair tech with years of experience, and a veteran high school band director. I've maintained a successful studio for private flute lessons for many years, and have performed professionally in just about any imaginable venue.
Education/Credentials I have bachelor's degrees in music education and performance from highly regarded universities, and have trained with one of the best flute techs/flute makers in the US.
I am wondering if it is acceptable to gently wipe down the lip piece with an alcohol swab? I play in a rock 'n' roll band and have recently started having trouble with my lips. Process of elimination leads me to suspect that people aren't respecting my instrument (or me!).
What would be the best way to sterilize the mouthpiece?
Thanks-
Janet
Answer Hello Janet!
It's perfectly acceptable to wipe off the lip plate with an alcohol swab if you need/want to disinfect it. As long as you are sure not to get alcohol on the keywork (alcohol can strip the lubricants in the mechanism and damage pads/corks/adhesives that are necessary for proper operation of the instrument), you should have no problems whatsoever.
This is actually a very common practice among flute dealers, and if you ever visit a flute fair or the NFA (National Flute Association) convention, you'll likely see a basket of alcohol swabs at each exhibitor's booth, so that you can wipe off the lip plate before testing out a flute.
On a side note, if you suspect that others have been playing about with your instrument, you might want to reconsider wherever you leave it during rehearsals/store it between them. I always carry my flute around with me during breaks in the rehearsal, specifically because it's very vulnerable sitting on its stand if I'm not right next to it. As soon as I'm done playing, it goes right back into the case, and the case comes away with me. It's very hard for others to mess with your instrument if you keep a close eye on it. Luckily our instruments are very portable, so this is a very minor inconvenience, which is well worth dealing with to ensure that your flute is not damaged by others (whether accidentally or maliciously).
I hope this is helpful. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
