Buy a Used Flute and Find a Great Bargain
Tips for Checking the Quality and Condition of a Pre-Owned Flute
Nov 7, 2008
When deciding to buy a used flute, there are things an astute buyer should check to determine its value and condition. Jonathan Cathell, who has repaired woodwinds for twenty years, offers tips for bargain hunting flute players.
Checking the Craftsmanship of a Used Flute
It’s important to determine whether the instrument is a student flute, intermediate flute, or professional flute. A related article explained the variations in quality and features buyers will run across while comparing new flutes.
“Most instruments have a model number,” Jonathan says. "On a used flute it’s typically going to be on the outside of the tenon socket where you put the head joint.” Once a buyer has a flute’s brand name and model number, a google search can uncover its quality, features, and whether any parts are solid sterling as opposed to merely silver-plated.
If the used flute is a vintage flute without a model number or handcrafted by a lesser-known flute maker, the task becomes more challenging. Buyers can ask an experienced flautist to play the instrument and give an opinion. They can also take the flute by an instrument repair shop for advice.
Checking a Used Flute: body, Head, and Footjoint
Damage to the main part of a used flute will be easiest to spot. “Obviously,” Jonathan says, “the first thing to check on a [metal flute] is whether the body is straight.” A warped body will cause mechanical problems and eventually make the instrument unplayable. Flutes can be straightened, but this repair is expensive."
Buyers should look the used flute over for dents. While a dent isn’t a hard and fast reason to reject a used flute, cosmetic condition definitely affects an instrument’s value.
Jonathan advises buyers to take the dent’s location and size into account. “A pretty big dent in the body can cause some air flow restrictions, but a little ping or minor dent isn’t going to effect the sound that much. A dent in the head joint will affect the flute’s tuning and needs to be taken out.”
Some dents are harder to spot. Buyers should check carefully beneath the flute’s mechanical parts for body damage. “If you have a dent underneath a post,” Jonathan adds, “it can cause all sorts of problems, like bent keys and loose pads.”
Tenons are the sockets where the flute slides together. The used flute should assemble smoothly and not allow wiggling. “If the used flute is hard to put together,” Jonathan says, “there’s probably lime deposits from saliva, dirt, and dust. These deposits are easily removed, but should be cleaned by a professional who knows what they’re doing. A harsh abrasive can scratch the instrument. If the tenons are filthy, the horn probably needs to be thoroughly cleaned anyway.”
“Damage to a used flute's lip plate and mouthpiece is pretty detrimental,” Jonathan concludes. Buyers should check this part of the used flute thoroughly. Even a minor imperfection where the flautist blows will affect the flute’s tone.
When considering a used wooden flute, Jonathan advises buyers to check its body thoroughly for cracks, even if the instrument is fairly new. Cracks will spread if left alone or repaired improperly.
Pads, Corks, and Perishable Parts on Used Flutes
Any used flute is bound to show signs of wear and tear. Perishable parts such as pads, key corks, and felt all deteriorate over time. Basically, any perishable part on a used flute can be replaced. But, if the instrument needs to be overhauled or repadded, it should be reflected in the purchase price.
Pads are the soft cushions beneath the keys which seal the holes. A pad that doesn’t seal properly will make playing nearly impossible. On a flute, the pads are exposed. They can dry out over time or be damaged during polishing. “Once a pad skin frays,” Jonathan remarks, “it’s gone. If there’s obvious tears or wear marks, that denotes a bad pad.”
“A pad can look fine but still not seal,” Jonathan, adds. “On used flutes, you can work with this problem by reseating the pad.”
The headjoint cork seals the end of the flute and is crucial to tuning. If the crown, or cap to the headjoint slips off easily, the used flute will need a new cork. “The cork’s getting wet each time the instrument is played,” remarks Jonathan. “It’s going to dry rot, but is easy to replace.”
Mechanical and Adjustment Issues for Used Flutes
“Typically,” comments Jonathan, “if the pads look okay, and the instrument plays well except for a little stuffiness, the used flute probably needs to be adjusted. Adjustment condition is key. People sell poorly adjusted instruments at top value all the time.”
The first step in determining whether a used flute needs to be adjusted is checking the action. Action is partly determined by spring tension and partly by the condition of the rods and screws. Buyers can test the keys to insure they move freely and return easily to an open position. The keys shouldn’t wiggle back and forth or make clicking sounds. Action that’s too soft, or not fast enough, can usually be corrected fairly easily by adjusting spring tension.
“If the used flute has keys that are seized,” Jonathan says, “it probably means the instrument has been in water, and the customer should be leery.” Key oil can lubricate screws and rods, but isn’t used to free up rusted or seized parts. This problem needs to be handled by a professional.”
It’s never a bad idea to ask a technician experienced with woodwinds for their opinion of a used flute. There aren’t many flutes beyond repair, but buyers should research to determine whether a particular instrument is worth the effort and expense. It all boils down to weighing an instrument’s quality against its condition.
Quotes and information gained through conversation with Jonathan Cathell.
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