Now that I have my old E. Baack cocus flute back in hand (it had an accident and hit the asphalt at 35 mph…oops), I’m heading off to a bonfire party tonight. I’ve been told to bring my flute, and I’d prefer to the bring the old flute…but worry about the 40 degree temps, so I’m tempted to take the M&E.
I’m just curious all you wooden flute players out there…especially those who play antique flutes…do you, or would you, play them outside in cold weather?
Eric
I prefer not to, mainly from a comfort standpoint. I seem to recall a thread here years back where the final consensus, with the input from makers, was that ambient temperature should be of little worry when playing wood flutes. I remain on the cautious side nevertheless.
I also remember a late 19th/early 20th century painting of an outdoor winter scene with ice skaters and a fellow playing a keyed wood flute nearby. Can’t find it on the web just yet, though. But I was always intrigued, and wondered if it was a not-unknown practice, or just artistic license.
I would avoid playing these flutes out in the cold. I was at Lark Camp here in the California coastal forest this summer. It was unusually cold and damp for a few days. I was playing my new Baubet keyed flute. It got water logged and the barrel crack all the way through after 2 days. Granted I played a lot and did not let it fully dry, but the risk is there when playing these flutes in cold weather.
Thanks guys…I will probably opt for the ebonite M&E.
I did play the Baack out on the porch yesterday when it was in the low 50s, and even then I worried a bit.
Jon may appreciate the repair work, but I really want to keep the flute with me…it’s a great flute.
What is the consensus on really cold weather leaving a session and riding a scooter? It will be in a pistol case and that will be in my backpack, but it can br 10 degrees when I ride home (a 5 minute ride).
Eric
Terry McGee has made some observations on the effect, or lack of effect, of extreme heat on flutes. I believe it involved a torch and a very stubborn headjoint liner that needed to be drawn.
Extreme cold of course brings up the unpleasant possibility of water changing state. . .freezing, and of course expanding and damaging the structure of the wood.
But ya know, if it’s cold enough to freeze yer flute while yer playin’ it, mebbe you oughtn’t play it. . . 
Bob
I found wrapping my flute in one of those “keeps things cold/hot” bags you can get at the grocery (for helping groceries to maintain their temperature on the way home) is helpful. They come various sizes with a plastic snap handle. If you cut off the handle you could probably just use it as a wrapper around your case and slip the whole thing in your backpack. I like to walk to my session in all kinds of weather and it takes the edge off.
Great idea Busterbill…that would add a nice layer of insulation - more than enough to minimize any sudden temperature change.
Eric