Hello all, Matt from China here. I’ve been reading about the different kinds of oils you’re supposed to use on new flutes–Almond, Linseed, LeBlanc–I know this is strange, but can you use Olive oil? From what I read the most important thing is not to use a petroleum based oil. The only reason I would ask, is that I’m worried about finding the other oils here without a major pain in the butt–can’t read the labels.
Oh yeah, and please, if you have any tips for breaking in a new flute, I’d really appreciate them.
Thanks again,
Matt
You should have gotten a ‘care of’ doc from him with your flute. I believe it mentions olive oil also, but I’m not 100% certain.
I use almond oil with a bit of Vitamin E added.
If you can’t find your doc I’ll post the details later this weekend. I do know that he suggests only playing for an hour or so each day for the first week to acclimate the flute to the humidity.
I’ve used olive oil in the past, people tell me not to because it spoils, but I’ve had this olive oil for a long time and it hasn’t spoiled on its own. ITs worked well for me.
Larry Nugent tends to use olive oil, mainly because it’s easy to come by when you’re travelling (well, in the West, anyway). If you want to be really picky, use pharmaceutical grade olive oil, as it would be the purest with little if any food-type particles in it. Still, food grade seems to work just fine. At this time I use cosmetic-grade almond oil, myself. As you live in China, isn’t camellia oil readily available to you? I understand that that’s a very good choice.
A pharmacy may have almond oil, which seems
to be used widely without problems. May be available
in food stores, etc. Your students can help. Refrigerate
the stuff.
You’re right about my students being able to help–and my aiyee (sp?). Anyhow, it’s sort of a rush, but I’m going to Thailand tomorrow–should I go out and find it today to oil? I’ll be gone for the next two weeks, will it hurt the flute to be locked up in my house unoiled?
My wife just came in to the room asking me if I could ask you about the Sweetheart Rosewood whistles–anyone know where I could find one?
Thanks again,
Matthew
I don’t think it will hurt your flute.
Your wife might do a search on Ralph Sweet flutes
or Sweetheart flutes–dealing with the maker
is likely your best hope. Nice folks.