Full disclosure here...I have a degree in music education so I felt pretty comfortable with all of this. I had a key that was leaving slight gaps in others when I pressed down. I had been putting off taking my flute in forever because apparently I'm lazy or something 🤷♀️ Anyways, I have long suspected it was something SUPER slight like adjusting a screw. Yup literally all I had to do. I adjusted a tiny hidden screw and I can play my F's without pressing down my f-key with the force of what felt like the Hulk! I figure if I could restring a french horn, doing something simple on my own instrument should be cake. Now will I go repadding or recorking my flute? Nooooo! Absolutely not. But slightly adjusting screws and such I can handle. Saves me some time for other things in my busy life. Thank you!
I couldn't ask for a nicer or better response. I'm really glad this was of value to you and that you no longer have to your Hulk-like strength to play.
I know this is months after this comment was posted but could you tell me which one it was? I’ve been having the same issues in which my Fs won’t come out without having to press harder on a certain key
I have this problem too! F-key doesn't shut properly. Over watching this video, i loosened the screw on the left of f-key and problem fixed! Thanks a lot👍😁
Bro- my f was having that exact problem and my section swore that my one tight screw wouldn’t ruin the note so I thought it was a leaky key but i just loosed the screw and now i can play my f.
Excellent video. Thank you so much. This helped me repair my child’s flute when I know I would not have the money to get this work done. Big help and a good lesson in maintenance and repairs.
Hello, thank you so much for the master class! One question on the g# key when you put it back where should I put the spring. It is also not working properly. I'm having trouble doing that.
Great question. I should do a video on this topic as I get the question a lot. Okay, let's agree on what side of the instrument we're talking about then go forward from there: If we're looking down on the flute we can see the Bb/B (left thumb) key on one side and the G# lever on the other; let's call the Bb/B side the back side and the G# side the front side. The springs typically sit on the back side of the spring notch and will lift the key up or open. If you happen to put the spring on a side and it forces the key closed - move the spring to the other side...the only and obvious exception to this being the Eb on the foot joint and the G# we're about to talk about, which are to stay closed unless pushed. Now, the G# key, way under everything else, MAY be an exception to putting the spring on the back side. Every manufacturer will install this spring in a different, unique way and you may need to play with it to figure out what their intent was - keep in mind, you want the G# to be pushed closed by the spring. To make this a bit more tricky, you have to set this spring before you insert the key rod...a bit of an acrobatic feat at times... but you'll be able to see right away if the the spring is pushing the pad closed or open and can adjust. Long answer - like I said, it needs it's own video - but I hope this is a help.
Hello, thank you this already seems helpful. I tightened all my screws and now all the notes sound the same... please help? Is there an exact tightening for each screw?
Hi! I have a question. I changed my flute pads days ago and I already put it back together. When I play test it the keys starting from C grave up until G first octave are not playing right. Can you help me fix it? Thank you in advance🙏
Great information. I have two flutes; a student flute that has screws on top of the keys, and a way better one that has them hidden. The hidden ones makes it very difficult to choose which ones to turn so I am too scared to try to do it myself. I requested the free info as you suggested so I am hoping it goes into more detail on which key/screws adjust what. Thanks!
thank you so much, i had a concert and one of the springs connected to my b flat rod/key came off and was stuck in the flat position. its fixed now, thank you :D
My flute keeps making a buzzing sound when I play C# or when I don’t press any keys how to I know what is the problem? I can’t seem to find the problem I know is in the middle part of the flute on the end but I don’t know :(
Sorry for my delay, I was on vacation. There are a few reasons this could be happening. 1) The screw at the D key (could be on top and easily visible or under the key) could be the issue. Use a feeler gauge and adjust accordingly. Very, very small turns of this screw make big changes. 2) The D# key on the foot joint could be leaking. Use a feeler gauge to test for a seal here. 3) The D key could be leaking. Take a look at these possibilities - learn more about how to do this with the Emergency Repair Guide available for free on my site - and if you're still having issues, take it to a shop you trust.
Could you please advise the specific screws I should adjust to fix the issue where my high E flat sounds flat with standard fingering but is in tune with the shortened fingering? I frequently alternate between the two fingerings in chromatic passages to balance the intonation with surrounding notes. However, it's confusing to choose between the two while playing. Please help.
Probably Not an adjustment screw... I'd venture a guess you have an air leak in a pad or key heigh openings could be causing issues. High E is never nice to tune but you should be able to get them to lock. Find a local tech who's good with flutes that you trust and go play your flute for them and see if they can help sort out what mechanical issues may be contributing to the issue. There are a few possibilities to consider.
One of my flute trill key is open and it doesn’t Play right, the trill spring is off, do I just need to put the spring back?, sorry I need this for band.
Yup! There's a chance the Trill key is bent and if it is, you'll need a good tech you trust, but more than likely it's just the spring. Flit it back on there.
@@repairmasterclass just to make things clear, the trill key next to the c key is open and I use a piece of tape to shut it for a while, and I don’t see the screw that keep the other trill key shut, sorry I need this for band
@@xavierDalrymple-w7n There are new screw adjustments on your trill keys, just two screws that keep it on the instrument between the posts. The Springs are what keep the trill keys closed. So, if (when the tape is off) the trill key just flops around or is easily moved, then you don’t have a bent key (that would be great news!) but you have a spring off. There will either be (depending on how your flute was made) 2 springs at the top post (closest to the head joint) or one there and one at the other end of the key coming out of that post next to where the foot joint is attached. Both of these springs should be hooked onto a little nubby guy (that’s a technical term 😉) coming off the key and will pull the pad down on the tone hole. Let me know if that works otherwise I’ll film a video for you.
GUYS I NEED HELP!!! My G key is playing a F# and I have a concert in a week and a half. I have no idea why it is doing that and no tutorial is helping me. I have no time to take it to the repair shop because it takes about 3 weeks since where I live theres only one music store in the whole territory. SOMEONE HELP ME PLEASEEE😭😭😭😭
This is a difficult one. There are 2 pads involved in your G and one of them seems (and I’m guessing here because I have not inspected your instrument) but seems not to be closing. Unless you have a split E mechanism installed on your flute (the G key is split between two independent keys and not just one fixed key) then the repair is beyond what I can help you with here. Sorry. Go buy groceries like chips, health bars, fruit, root beer, chocolates, etc, and take them with you to the repair shop. Start by placing the chocolate on the counter, then your flute. Add snacks as needed to get your flute done sooner. 😉
1st guess is the screw at the end of your flute - where the foot joint goes on - is too tight preventing the F# key from moving. My next guess would be the springs to either your F# or F key have come off and need to be simply put back in place - watch this video for more: th-cam.com/video/oHO2dMF4PsM/w-d-xo.html. My last guess would be the adjustment screws between the F, E, D and the F# key are not set accurately (and these are really precise adjustments). Explore these options 1st and let me know how it goes. If not, take it to a tech you trust in your area. If you don't have a tech you trust, reach out and I'll help you find one or have you send it to me.
Sorry for my delay. This one is tricky! Stuck screws is were technicians really earn their keep. Breaking off a head and then having to extract a screw without causing damage to the rest of the instrument is a critical skill... one I'm still working on 26 years later. It's hard. If you have a stuck screw, take it to a great tech. If they can't get it, have them reach out to me and we'll consult on several options.
Full disclosure here...I have a degree in music education so I felt pretty comfortable with all of this. I had a key that was leaving slight gaps in others when I pressed down. I had been putting off taking my flute in forever because apparently I'm lazy or something 🤷♀️ Anyways, I have long suspected it was something SUPER slight like adjusting a screw. Yup literally all I had to do. I adjusted a tiny hidden screw and I can play my F's without pressing down my f-key with the force of what felt like the Hulk! I figure if I could restring a french horn, doing something simple on my own instrument should be cake. Now will I go repadding or recorking my flute? Nooooo! Absolutely not. But slightly adjusting screws and such I can handle. Saves me some time for other things in my busy life. Thank you!
I couldn't ask for a nicer or better response. I'm really glad this was of value to you and that you no longer have to your Hulk-like strength to play.
I know this is months after this comment was posted but could you tell me which one it was? I’ve been having the same issues in which my Fs won’t come out without having to press harder on a certain key
@@BeepBop726left of the 2nd finger on the right hand under that key is a tiny screw
I have this problem too! F-key doesn't shut properly. Over watching this video, i loosened the screw on the left of f-key and problem fixed! Thanks a lot👍😁
Bro- my f was having that exact problem and my section swore that my one tight screw wouldn’t ruin the note so I thought it was a leaky key but i just loosed the screw and now i can play my f.
Excellent video. Thank you so much. This helped me repair my child’s flute when I know I would not have the money to get this work done. Big help and a good lesson in maintenance and repairs.
Thank you for the tutorial, my flute stoped doing lower sound like lower than G4, I'll try to see if I can fix it with this tomorrow
Hello, thank you so much for the master class! One question on the g# key when you put it back where should I put the spring. It is also not working properly. I'm having trouble doing that.
Great question. I should do a video on this topic as I get the question a lot. Okay, let's agree on what side of the instrument we're talking about then go forward from there: If we're looking down on the flute we can see the Bb/B (left thumb) key on one side and the G# lever on the other; let's call the Bb/B side the back side and the G# side the front side.
The springs typically sit on the back side of the spring notch and will lift the key up or open. If you happen to put the spring on a side and it forces the key closed - move the spring to the other side...the only and obvious exception to this being the Eb on the foot joint and the G# we're about to talk about, which are to stay closed unless pushed.
Now, the G# key, way under everything else, MAY be an exception to putting the spring on the back side. Every manufacturer will install this spring in a different, unique way and you may need to play with it to figure out what their intent was - keep in mind, you want the G# to be pushed closed by the spring. To make this a bit more tricky, you have to set this spring before you insert the key rod...a bit of an acrobatic feat at times... but you'll be able to see right away if the the spring is pushing the pad closed or open and can adjust. Long answer - like I said, it needs it's own video - but I hope this is a help.
Hello, thank you this already seems helpful. I tightened all my screws and now all the notes sound the same... please help? Is there an exact tightening for each screw?
Hi! I have a question. I changed my flute pads days ago and I already put it back together. When I play test it the keys starting from C grave up until G first octave are not playing right. Can you help me fix it? Thank you in advance🙏
Do you have a video on how repair the flat springs on a Flute for the Thumb Key on Flute?
Not yet! What would you like to see?
Thank you so much , you save my life 😭
Great information. I have two flutes; a student flute that has screws on top of the keys, and a way better one that has them hidden. The hidden ones makes it very difficult to choose which ones to turn so I am too scared to try to do it myself. I requested the free info as you suggested so I am hoping it goes into more detail on which key/screws adjust what. Thanks!
Same I tightened all my screws and now all the keys sound the same
thank you so much, i had a concert and one of the springs connected to my b flat rod/key came off and was stuck in the flat position. its fixed now, thank you :D
Glad it helped!
Thankkk uuu because of you I fixed my fluteeeee
You're welcome.
Hello sir, my A# key isn't working what do you advise?
My flute keeps making a buzzing sound when I play C# or when I don’t press any keys how to I know what is the problem? I can’t seem to find the problem I know is in the middle part of the flute on the end but I don’t know :(
Hmmm... Interesting question. By "buzzing" do you mean a metal on metal sound or the tone flutters or something else?
Help, my spring fell off, how do i re attach it to the flute? will super glue work?
Hi! One question, my low D isn't coming out when it usually does. What screws should I look for or what should I try to fix?
Sorry for my delay, I was on vacation. There are a few reasons this could be happening. 1) The screw at the D key (could be on top and easily visible or under the key) could be the issue. Use a feeler gauge and adjust accordingly. Very, very small turns of this screw make big changes. 2) The D# key on the foot joint could be leaking. Use a feeler gauge to test for a seal here. 3) The D key could be leaking. Take a look at these possibilities - learn more about how to do this with the Emergency Repair Guide available for free on my site - and if you're still having issues, take it to a shop you trust.
Could you please advise the specific screws I should adjust to fix the issue where my high E flat sounds flat with standard fingering but is in tune with the shortened fingering? I frequently alternate between the two fingerings in chromatic passages to balance the intonation with surrounding notes. However, it's confusing to choose between the two while playing. Please help.
Probably Not an adjustment screw... I'd venture a guess you have an air leak in a pad or key heigh openings could be causing issues. High E is never nice to tune but you should be able to get them to lock. Find a local tech who's good with flutes that you trust and go play your flute for them and see if they can help sort out what mechanical issues may be contributing to the issue. There are a few possibilities to consider.
My F key isn’t working is there any way u can help me in the next 20 minutes
One of my flute trill key is open and it doesn’t Play right, the trill spring is off, do I just need to put the spring back?, sorry I need this for band.
Yup! There's a chance the Trill key is bent and if it is, you'll need a good tech you trust, but more than likely it's just the spring. Flit it back on there.
@@repairmasterclass just to make things clear, the trill key next to the c key is open and I use a piece of tape to shut it for a while, and I don’t see the screw that keep the other trill key shut, sorry I need this for band
@@xavierDalrymple-w7n There are new screw adjustments on your trill keys, just two screws that keep it on the instrument between the posts. The Springs are what keep the trill keys closed. So, if (when the tape is off) the trill key just flops around or is easily moved, then you don’t have a bent key (that would be great news!) but you have a spring off. There will either be (depending on how your flute was made) 2 springs at the top post (closest to the head joint) or one there and one at the other end of the key coming out of that post next to where the foot joint is attached. Both of these springs should be hooked onto a little nubby guy (that’s a technical term 😉) coming off the key and will pull the pad down on the tone hole. Let me know if that works otherwise I’ll film a video for you.
I filmed this video for you today. Check it out as it may answer more of your quesitons: th-cam.com/video/oHO2dMF4PsM/w-d-xo.html
Okay thank you
Thank you…really appreciate!
My F key isn’t working when I try to play a Bb with my index finger and B natural key
In my piccolo
Excellent. Thank you.
You are welcome!
GUYS I NEED HELP!!! My G key is playing a F# and I have a concert in a week and a half. I have no idea why it is doing that and no tutorial is helping me. I have no time to take it to the repair shop because it takes about 3 weeks since where I live theres only one music store in the whole territory. SOMEONE HELP ME PLEASEEE😭😭😭😭
This is a difficult one. There are 2 pads involved in your G and one of them seems (and I’m guessing here because I have not inspected your instrument) but seems not to be closing. Unless you have a split E mechanism installed on your flute (the G key is split between two independent keys and not just one fixed key) then the repair is beyond what I can help you with here. Sorry. Go buy groceries like chips, health bars, fruit, root beer, chocolates, etc, and take them with you to the repair shop. Start by placing the chocolate on the counter, then your flute. Add snacks as needed to get your flute done sooner. 😉
My F,E,D is not working anymore
1st guess is the screw at the end of your flute - where the foot joint goes on - is too tight preventing the F# key from moving. My next guess would be the springs to either your F# or F key have come off and need to be simply put back in place - watch this video for more: th-cam.com/video/oHO2dMF4PsM/w-d-xo.html. My last guess would be the adjustment screws between the F, E, D and the F# key are not set accurately (and these are really precise adjustments). Explore these options 1st and let me know how it goes. If not, take it to a tech you trust in your area. If you don't have a tech you trust, reach out and I'll help you find one or have you send it to me.
I have a screw that will not come out, is there any way to loosen it.
my flute had this problem found out that the rod was bent so it wasn’t loosening 🥲
Thanks, what did you do to fix it?
@@lindasimms7165 i had to send it to the shop bc i didnt have the tools to fix it! sorry for not being of much help!
Sorry for my delay. This one is tricky! Stuck screws is were technicians really earn their keep. Breaking off a head and then having to extract a screw without causing damage to the rest of the instrument is a critical skill... one I'm still working on 26 years later. It's hard. If you have a stuck screw, take it to a great tech. If they can't get it, have them reach out to me and we'll consult on several options.