Joining the Head-joint to the Body. Hold the body of the flute by the barrel (head-joint-socket) and the head-joint by the tubing below the lip plate. Insert the open end of the head-joint into the barrel very carefully. It is very important that the body and the head-joint are held in a straight line to avoid any damage to the joint.

Joining the Foot-joint to the Body. Hold the body of the flute around the barrel. Put the foot-joint into the palm of the other hand with the thumb on the C#/C cups. Do not press on the C, C# or D touch pieces as they have no support and will bend. Holding the parts in line with each other, adjust to the playing position carefully.

1. Never ever grease or oil joints or sockets. 

2. If your joints are too tight, clean the socket and tenon thoroughly with a polishing cloth. If this fails, SEEK A SPECIALIST FLUTE REPAIRER. 

3. Also - if your joints are too loose, SEEK A SPECIALIST FLUTE REPAIRER. 

The Cork Assembly. The head-joint cork assembly both seals the head-joint and also allows a degree of flexibility in tuning. To check its position, very carefully insert the ringed end of your cleaning rod as far as it will go. The mark on the cleaning rod should be in the centre of the embouchure hole. If the mark is to the right of centre, gently tighten the crown until it is centred. If it is to the left of centre, undo the crown a small amount and push it into the head-joint. Any rattles or leaks should be dealt with by your SPECIALIST FLUTE REPAIRER. 

Cleaning inside your instrument. Condensation forms inside flutes whenever they are played. Failure to remove it will cause two problems. 

1. Flute pads absorb moisture and swell, usually unevenly. Swollen pads may not cover the tone holes properly, resulting in poorer intonation, articulation and sound quality. 

2. The condensation may cause tarnishing as well as rusting of steel parts. All you need is a lint-free cotton cloth and a cleaning rod. (Wooden rods are less likely to scratch your flute.) Push a corner of the cloth through a slit in the rod. Wrap the cloth over the tip and around the rod. Now push the rod through the instrument and rotate it until the moisture has been absorbed.

3. Avoid any stress on the mechanism during cleaning. 

4. DO NOT leave the damp cloth inside the instrument, or its case, after use. 

5. Use an absorbent fabric. Silk cloths are not very absorbent.

Cleaning the outside of your instrument. Perspiration and breath both contain acids that can have a detrimental effect on silver and silver plate. Also, dust left on an instrument may contribute to the clogging of moving parts. Impregnated polishing clothes will help to counteract these problems. Pay particular attention to the areas that are in regular contact with your skin.

1. Avoid strain on the mechanism. 

2. Make sure that the cloth does not snag on any working parts. DO NOT USE LIQUID SILVER POLISH.

Oiling the mechanism. DO NOT DO IT!!! The oils required need to be the right type applied in the right amounts in the right places. SEEK A SPECIALIST FLUTE REPAIRER. 

Regular Servicing. Regular servicing is recommended. It keeps the your flute in good playing order and stops minor problems becoming big (expensive) ones. Frequency depends on usage (or abusage) but as a general rule, once a year is recommended.

Insurance. I recommend that all instruments are insured. Many instruments will be covered by a standard household policy, but make sure that this cover applies when the instrument is at school or in the car etc. Always check with your insurance company. Try out British Reserve (now known as Cornhill Allianz) - they are instrumental insurance specialists!

A few minutes a day, using the tips here, may save you pounds in unnecessary repair work. Furthermore, your flute will look better for longer, and its continuing performance will be assured. More importantly, you will progress faster and get more enjoyment from your playing.

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