On my flute (Yamaha YFL 211 if that matters) the key next to the F natural key (that closes along when playing an F natural or sharp) leaks; when I hold down the F key I can see a tiny gap. Is there a quick and easy way to fix this, if only provisionally? I need it tomorrow for a little concert…
(… or rather for a “concert” : ) Anyway, I suppose I need new pads, but maybe there’s a possibility to adjust the action of that key, so that it seals (at least temporarily) properly?
Any suggestions are much appreciated!
Thanks in advance
Sebastian
You might be able to hold the linked keys (F/F#, R1 and R3) fully open, or prop them open with folded paper under the pads, then very gently bend the problem plate down a bit. At your own risk, of course. Unfortunately, I don’t have a silver Boehm handy to check this.
There may be an adjustment screw that controls that key/pad. WARNING: if you change one screw, it will affect other screws and the alignment/tensions of the total mechanism. Proceed with extreme caution and make micro small adjustments.
I recommend taking it to a flute/woodwind repair person and have them make the adjustments. I never adjust screws myself, but I rely on my Boehm for gigs and performances. With a beat up flute I’m just messing with, I might experiment.
PS–I see you need it tomorrow. Give it go. The screw that affects that key/pad may not be directly next to it, but may be controlled by the screw by the Fnat key.
Thank you for your replies! Well I don’t want to bend anything or otherwise mess with it as I’m going to have it made anyway. That adjustment screw thing seems to be exactly what I was looking for… I’ll try that as soon as I’ve found a small enough screwdriver…
Often big-box stores have little eye-glass repair/adjustment kits with a small screwdriver, very inexpensive. Next possibility is Radio Shack’s little six piece miniature screwdriver kit. Be cautious not to damage the screw head. Some technicians will place a tiny daub of Loc-tite threadlocker on the adjustment screws (just a caution, since it is quite possible the screw is already loose and has slipped.)
Often enough I had a flute/clarinet/saxophone go out of whack just before a performance. Then out came the screwdrivers, rubber bands, band-aids, tape, cigarette papers, cotton balls … and whatever pushing/pulling/squeezing was needed.
And yes, a jeweler’s screwdriver set is a good thing to have around.
Oh well, there’s an error in my logic. Reducing the action doesn’t affect how much the key is being pressed down. Anyway, I realised that I can still seal it when I press the key(s) firmly enough, so it should do for today; and for a couple of pieces I can fall back on my keyless flute as well. I’ll then take it to a repair person ASAP.
If you mean that adjusting the screw(s) didn’t fix the problem, that’s what I was afraid of. Hence my above suggestion to gently bend the key. But yes, by all means take it to your flute technician. And good luck with your performance!
Yes, that would adjust the position of the key in question relative to the overall action as required; I just don’t feel confident enough for such a physical solution. I suppose a general overhaul was long overdue anyway, but I’m prone to wait until it’s too late.
I just started having the same problem a few weeks ago. Fortunately, since with ITM I’m usually playing in D and G, it’s not a huge deal to not be able to play F nat. I found if I increase the pressure on the left side of the F natural key when playing, it helps close the leaky key next to it.
Anyway, I realised that I can still seal it when I press the key(s) firmly enough, so it should do for today; and for a couple of pieces I can fall back on my keyless flute as well. I’ll then take it to a repair person ASAP.