I just got my first flute - an Olwell bamboo F. A marvel of simplicity. Actually managed both octaves right away, so there’s hope. Any tips re care? Almond oil? Swab inside bore after play? Thanks.
PhilO
Phil,
I do have some advice on caring for your bamboo Olwell: Take it outside and smash it into tiny pieces with a sledge hammer this instant. For good measure, run it over with the car and then blow up what’s left. Take my advice now, while there is still time, otherwise you will be doomed to a life of flute addiction the likes of which will make WhOA nothing more than a mere mosquito bite of a vice. “Heaya me now und belief me layta!”
Loren (Und Hanz und Franz)
Aw, c’mon, Loren! In the year that I’ve been buying flutes, I’ve only bought an antique 4-key, antique 6-key, Olwell bamboo, Bleazey boxwood, and Dixon three-piece. Oh, and ordered keyless boxwoods from Noy and Olwell. Well, OK, I’ve got a problem, and it’s probably not that uncommon.
If I know Phil, which I don’t, he’ll get bit by the bug. But, Phil, you can take solace in the fact that most high-end flutes will fetch more on the second-hand market than they cost initially.
BTW, you might want to venture over to the flute board. There are a couple of good threads for beginners.
Oh, and back to your question – I’ve never done anything special to the Olwell bamboo, but I don’t play it that much. I don’t think it needs to be oiled, but you probably do want to swab it out. You might just want to ring up Patrick and ask him about it. He’s a great guy to talk to.
Loren - We cannot escape our destinies; someday I will play a flute made by you. Charlie - I’ll be immune to the bug until I learn to play something on this thing… 
Best,
PhilO
Why does an okay embouchure come and go? 
Stopping buying flutes is easy. I’ve done it
a hundred times. If it were me, I’d at most
swab the thing. Asking PO is a good idea,
if you’re really interested.
P.S. You’ll have the embouchure
in two or three months, I reckon.
then it gets better, then it gets
better, then…
I have three different Olwell bamboos, and I’ve never oiled any of them. They’re still in excellent shape. 
Jens
i love my olwell d bamboo flute and think that swabbing is the only thing you have to do. oil should be avoided, i was told, as it would expand the cells of the bamboo.
enjoy!
- tom