Played on the street today–it was
in the 70s, but by mid-day the
Copley was getting quite
warm to the touch. It plays much
better that way, as does the
Seery, but I began to get a
bit nervous. We’re out there
when it’s in the 90s, and flute
is likely to get quite hot in
the sun. Is that going to harm it?
Any experience with blackwood
flutes outdoors in summer? Thanks
I’d sure try to keep it out of direct sunlight. Chris Abell once told a friend of mine that he doesn’t worry much about the heat, since blackwood grows in such hot areas.
Dana
I have marched in who-knows-how-many parades with blackwood highland pipes and no trouble. I’d say don’t worry about it.
But I don’t think the tree’s climate has anything to do with it. In Africa, it’s alive and covered with bark. That’s different than dead, hollowed out, and being used as a flute.
Stuart
Actually, since it’s getting hotter around here, lately, I’ve noticed that my Copley sounds better!
Mary
Yes, nothing sounds better than a hot flute.
Also, there’s much less condensation.
Made 44 on the street today; 50 last night
at a party, by the way. Flutes gonna
pay for itself.
Thanks
I don’t know if this applies, but I happened to read this today. It is regarding a test that Terry McGee did on a hot and cold flute head joint. He was more interested in the effects of the flute being exposed to a hot enviornment for a while, then played, but it might be of interest.
http://www.mcgee-flutes.com/temps.html
Wow that’s really good!!!
Mary
Jim,
I don’t think that playing outdoors would get the flute hot enough to risk any harm. Any direct effects of temperature (thermal expansion etcetera) should not be significant. I would be mainly concerned about avoiding cracks caused by drying out and shrinking of the wood. So it would be a good idea to oil the flute more frequently (maybe every week), and make sure that it is stored in a humid environment. Also, look out for any early signs of dryness (loose rings, change in the fit of the joints, dry appearance of the wood).
Dave Copley
Loveland, Ohio
It’s going to take a LOT of Global warming to make MY fluting sound better!! 
I thought that Jim had fallen to hawking contraband flutes; never mind. 
Hot flutes, eh? Thanks to Dave, and to all.
The only caveat I’d add to all of this is if you have ivory or bone ferrols… I split a ferrol on a set of uilleanns when they sat in the sun one afternoon. Another reason to insist on chased silver ferrols!
FWIW, -Here’s an article from yesterday’s Seattle paper about chilling a piano to improve its tone.- Really cool! 