All,
My Boxwood flute feels ‘dry’ to me compared to Blackwood; is Boxwood less oily? Does it require oil more often?
Thanks,
Tony
Tony
I can only speak on the matter as a player, not someone who merely collects/hordes flutes and keeps them in a box to be unplayed or resold on a whim.
So, to that, I can say the boxwood flutes I own I keep oiled regularly with the normal Almond Oil (pharmaceutical grade, not food grade) that I use on my other flutes. Not overoiled so they’d swell.
But,. do know that boxwood is naturally dry and usually needs a few minutes to be “wet in” before you’ll get great tone when you’re playing. Of course, if you weren’t a flute player you’d not know this first hand. I had this issue years ago with a fife that once wet was terrific, but was a time consumer to get there.
My boxwood Rudall is a terrific player largely because I keep it oiled. Jimmy Noonan’s boxwood Rudall is generally dripping with oil (and frankly pretty gross…but it sounds great!)
Of course, I could be lying! 
Dave Migoya
American-born, Red-blooded and Darn Proud of It! 
I oil my boxwood flutes more often. It seems that after a couple of weeks condensation doesn’t bead up well at all. I also oil the unkeyed boxwood inside and out, especially concentrating on the part around the embouchure that becomes discolored and rough.
I definitely like the fact that boxwood is less oily/more absorbent. In the hot weather blackwood becomes slippery, so I have an easier time holding boxwood.
From the whistle forum:
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?t=19886
Paul provided a link to an excellent (though somewhat scientific) article about oiling wooden woodwind instruments.
edited to add the link:
Gary, the man banging on the bathroom door is precious!!
I laughed out loud!!
Dave Migoya
American-born, Red-blooded and Proud of It!