I have a delrin flute with cork tenons. I usually play it 2-3 times in the evening, and I’ve been taking it apart between playing sessions. Do I really need to take it apart every time, or is fine to leave it assembled until I’m done for the day? If I leave it assembled, it would normally be for around 3 hours or so. I play in a weekly session that’s about that long.
I’m just curious about what’s best for longevity of the cork.
Thanks
Bob
It’s fine to leave it together for a few hours. The most important thing for a cork tenon is to grease it before putting the flute together.
Thanks for the info chas.
Bob
The main concern with leaving a flute together is wood swelling and shrinking with moisture which could cause cracks. Since your flute is delrin that will not be an issue. Even if the cork were to be worn by keeping it assembled that is an easy and inexpensive fix. I have a delrin flute that I have had for 6 years. I purchased it precisely because I wanted a flute I could leave put together and grab for a quick tune or short practice session. I greased the cork well and put it together when I received it. I have only taken it apart once two years ago. But did just go and check it. It came apart easily and seems to have suffered no damage. It did seem like the cork was a trifle dry so I did apply cork grease when I reassembled it. If your cork is clean and the cork grease is not too old you can likely leave it together for a great deal of time. Since you are taking it apart to carry to sessions, the hardest part will be making sure the cork stays clean and you apply cork grease to clean cork when it seems to be a bit dry.