I find using a rounded “oo” lip posture and opening the nasal flow helps. Then deep inhales on every pause. My old bass flute used to wet out after 3-4 phrases now I can go for at least an hour
Thank you very much for all these tips. You are an amazing flute player. I have a couple of stellar flutes and I don’t have this problem. I just bought a ebonized walnut flute from another brand and it wets out within just a few minutes of playing. It is extremely frustrating. I’m thinking of sending it back. It is so bad.
Im just beginning to play at 63 years od ...its my new years commitment for 2022 :) ...ill be going through all the vids on your great channel ..this video is so important as i had no idea of flute maintenance ...much thx and happy new year! (BC Canada)
I am so VERY thrilled that you will be posting a video about John Stillwell's "wet out protection" that he offers as an add on to his EXCEPTIONAL!!! flutes. John Stillwell in my opinion is close to being on of the best flute maker I know. His flutes are real works of art that rely more on the beauty of the natural wood grains and construction. His innovation of design is what I feel is the one feature that sets him apart from all the other flute makers. I play John's flutes almost exclusively. I own 5 of them and will be happy to keep buying more in the future. His company is called "Ancient Territories Flutes." Please call him if you want a flute as those on his web site may be already sold, but he has many others in the works all the time.
Hi, tuning in from Roatan Bay Islands,Honduras. Visiting my son for two weeks. Brought my Flutes, I’m normally from New York USA. The heat and humidity here really makes a difference on my flutes!😅
Great tips that I didn't know of. I can play for about ~5 minutes indoors and ~2 minutes outdoors before my flute is wetting out, which is really annoying. Blowing it gives me an extra ~30 seconds. Shaking it gives me an extra 1-2 minutes. I didn't know about sucking (I'll try that). But so far, the thing that worked best for me was playing while laying down on the grass (facing up). I can play for a long time without the flute wetting out.
Such an important topic, and anybody who has played the NAF for any length of time knows what a nuisance this can be. Thanks Jonny for some great tips that go beyond just focusing on embouchure and such. The flute definitely is the boss, and I've got some that after about 15 minutes, they're done! Others I can play for much longer without wetting out. Nature of the beast, I suppose, so your tips should prove to be really helpful! All the best to you and your lovely family, and I wish you a healthy, happy, prosperous new year.
Have you tried Ancient Territories' Wet Out Protection? . . . Sorry, I should have watched the entire video before I asked this question. I'm looking forward to the Stillwell flute review.
very helpful, thank you. im a recorder player waiting for my (g scale) Stellar flute, which i recently ordered, to arrive. i'm subscribed and i like your channel and your communication skills. 👍 may God bless you, in Jesus' name.
Great tips Jonny, looking forward to the Stillwell flute review as I've wondered about the wet-out protection he offers. Thanks Jonny, take care of you and yours, stay safe and happy!
Thank you for this video. My new flute wets out in a few blows, within a few minutes. How long are we talking about for an average flute to wet out? I am confused because I cannot play my flute with the rate it wets out.
Hey, there! Thanks for asking. I will he happy to elaborate on that. If you are playing in a very humid and/or cool environment, wet out could be more of a problem. Most flutes will go anywhere from 10-15 minutes before the tone starts to drop off and soon to quit playing at all. Try warming your flute (the slow air chamber) by holding the flute in your hands for a few minutes. You can also try blowing gently for a few seconds with block removed, before you start playing. The bottom of the block is intended to absorb a bit of moisture to keep you going. Some flutes are finished with an oil or lacquer on the bottom of the block and the flu surface, which helps the moisture to pass through. You can also try very lightly sanding any burrs off the bottom of the block. Be very careful not to take wood material off the block or flu. You do not want to enlarge that opening; only remove little artifacts that might be catching moisture and causing it to bead up inside the flu. I recommend something very gentle such as a find emery board. I hope this helps.
Thank you for the tips, I will definitely try them out! I wonder how it's to play on stage - do you change the flute after each song? How many do you have on stage and how long do you play at total? Greetings from Poland 🙂
Yes I do! Generally, my song set will incorporate a broad range of keys and perhaps a couple flutes in the same key. When flying, great consideration is necessary for choice of flutes, as I can't take too many along. I generally do not play the same flute in back to back songs to help with the wet-out issue. An hour or maybe 90 minutes max, with some chit-chat between songs, is a good day for a live performance.
@@JonnyLipford Thank you very much for your answer, it explains me a lot 🙂 And you've got new, a very young fan - my 7-month-old daughter just fell asleep listening to your new album, she found it very relaxing 😊
For some reason the audio on this broadcast was very low. Peace and Happiness to you. Also after I eat I floss best to get that junk in the sink instead of the flute. I find that using mouth wash with a little bit of alcohol in it will dry out my mouth for about a half hour to play the flute.
Very informative, Jonny. Thanks! It's a problem that all us flute players deal with, to some extent. I've learned a lot from your playing, now I've learned a few wetting out prevention tips from you! Thanks for all that you do, for the NA flute community, and.......Happy (belated) New Year! 😊
For a future "tips and solution" video -- why are the high notes on my flute playing flat? what can I do about it? In my case top three notes (including the fingered octave) are 10 to 20 cents flat. I can blow very hard and get them close, but then it is very loud -- and at least one of the notes is still below pitch. I have two flute, each from a different make, and both exhibit the same "high notes are flat" phenomenon. What am I doing wrong?
Thanks for asking! It is possible that you haven't found the optimal breath pressure for those notes on your flute. It is also possible that the flute is not optimally tuned for upper register notes. Try inserting a "ta" tonguing to kick the note up without overblowing. This is a gentle nudge to the flute to move into the next register. Not achieving the needed breath pressure while using the fingering for those notes will definitely leave you flat. If you are still having problems, I do offer a course on this topic: www.jonnylipfordmusic.com/collections/native-american-flute-lessons/products/perfecting-high-odd-notes-mini-course
Fantastic tips as usual thank you!! this is my 2nd time watching to see if I missed anything on the 1st watch, Like you said some flutes wet-out faster than others I have noticed that in mine. I lightly oiled the SAC yesterday on my flutes and today my notes are cleaner and I did not wet out as fast. I did have a thought if anyone knows if this is good or bad...to hang the flutes upside down for storage. I found some plastic coated spring clips at dollar tree and using plastic packing foam as a barrier between clip and flute to hang upside down to allow the moisture to run out. But I wonder if the moisture that has made it over the ramp will collect on the backside of the flue and cause rot?
You're welcome! Most flutes will not need any treatment to the SAC aside from keeping them dry and clean. Most flute makers seal this area and any added moisture, even an oil, could cause the sealant to break down and compromise the wood integrity. Check with the maker of your flute for information. There is no harm in storing your flutes upside-down and will help them to dry. Many players dry the flutes that way to drain excess moisture before storing them on a horizontal or vertical rack.
I find using a rounded “oo” lip posture and opening the nasal flow helps. Then deep inhales on every pause. My old bass flute used to wet out after 3-4 phrases now I can go for at least an hour
Thank you very much for all these tips. You are an amazing flute player. I have a couple of stellar flutes and I don’t have this problem. I just bought a ebonized walnut flute from another brand and it wets out within just a few minutes of playing. It is extremely frustrating. I’m thinking of sending it back. It is so bad.
Im just beginning to play at 63 years od ...its my new years commitment for 2022 :) ...ill be going through all the vids on your great channel ..this video is so important as i had no idea of flute maintenance ...much thx and happy new year! (BC Canada)
Thanks for watching and best wishes on your new journey!
@@geneschmunk8906 Hi, i am 66 and just starting… best wishes with your flute journey!
I am so VERY thrilled that you will be posting a video about John Stillwell's "wet out protection" that he offers as an add on to his EXCEPTIONAL!!! flutes. John Stillwell in my opinion is close to being on of the best flute maker I know. His flutes are real works of art that rely more on the beauty of the natural wood grains and construction. His innovation of design is what I feel is the one feature that sets him apart from all the other flute makers. I play John's flutes almost exclusively. I own 5 of them and will be happy to keep buying more in the future. His company is called "Ancient Territories Flutes." Please call him if you want a flute as those on his web site may be already sold, but he has many others in the works all the time.
I have two of John’’s flutes, an A-432 collector & an E-440 backpacker. Both have a nice clear tone that I love.
Thanks for watching and stay tuned!
I have an AT flute that I really like. No anti-wetting pro but it seems to play as long as my others for me. Love John's flutes. Beautiful art.
I have one of his 432 turtle island, it has a beautiful tone
Hi, tuning in from Roatan Bay Islands,Honduras. Visiting my son for two weeks. Brought my Flutes, I’m normally from New York USA. The heat and humidity here really makes a difference on my flutes!😅
Yep, you may find them playing a bit sharper and wetting out sooner for sure. A good learning experience though.
Great tips that I didn't know of. I can play for about ~5 minutes indoors and ~2 minutes outdoors before my flute is wetting out, which is really annoying. Blowing it gives me an extra ~30 seconds. Shaking it gives me an extra 1-2 minutes. I didn't know about sucking (I'll try that). But so far, the thing that worked best for me was playing while laying down on the grass (facing up). I can play for a long time without the flute wetting out.
Now there is another technique! Thanks for watching!
Ha! That actually works. I’ve been playing the flute in bed lately! While laying down with the flute straight up
I live in Chehalis, Washington
Such an important topic, and anybody who has played the NAF for any length of time knows what a nuisance this can be. Thanks Jonny for some great tips that go beyond just focusing on embouchure and such. The flute definitely is the boss, and I've got some that after about 15 minutes, they're done! Others I can play for much longer without wetting out. Nature of the beast, I suppose, so your tips should prove to be really helpful! All the best to you and your lovely family, and I wish you a healthy, happy, prosperous new year.
Thank you so much! Glad this was helpful too.
Good advice on wetting abatements ! We all live with it. Frank Arnall
Glad it was helpful!
Tuning in from Richmond Virginia. 😉👌
Thanks so much! I appreciate your patronage on my channel!
Thanks so much, I'm going to try the draw back method. Following and subscribed to you from Southern California 👍
Welcome! Thanks for the sub!
Hello from Reunion island 🌞
Helllllo!
Have you tried Ancient Territories' Wet Out Protection? . . .
Sorry, I should have watched the entire video before I asked this question. I'm looking forward to the Stillwell flute review.
I'm curious how well his Wet Out Protection works on his flutes as well!
@@brianpeloquin328
My AT flute doesn't seem to wet out, but since I am a newbie I have no frame of reference and am looking forward to Jonny's review.
Thanks for watching! Yep, stay tuned!
From swindon Wiltshire England
Welcome! Thanks for watching! Glad to have you here!
very helpful, thank you. im a recorder player waiting for my (g scale) Stellar flute, which i recently ordered, to arrive. i'm subscribed and i like your channel and your communication skills. 👍 may God bless you, in Jesus' name.
You're very welcome! Thank you so much!
Great tips Jonny, looking forward to the Stillwell flute review as I've wondered about the wet-out protection he offers. Thanks Jonny, take care of you and yours, stay safe and happy!
Anniston, Missouri 👋🏽
Hello! Thanks so much for tuning in!
Thank you so much, very helpful!
You're very welcome!
Thank you so much for your help.
Great tips, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Tuning in from Utah
Welcome!
Great video Jonny! You Rock!
Hey, thanks!
Thank you for the great tips from Connecticut !
You are so welcome!
How about the Hjgh Spirit "Spirit" model, for wetting
Very good question !
Thank you for this video. My new flute wets out in a few blows, within a few minutes. How long are we talking about for an average flute to wet out? I am confused because I cannot play my flute with the rate it wets out.
Hey, there! Thanks for asking. I will he happy to elaborate on that. If you are playing in a very humid and/or cool environment, wet out could be more of a problem. Most flutes will go anywhere from 10-15 minutes before the tone starts to drop off and soon to quit playing at all. Try warming your flute (the slow air chamber) by holding the flute in your hands for a few minutes. You can also try blowing gently for a few seconds with block removed, before you start playing. The bottom of the block is intended to absorb a bit of moisture to keep you going. Some flutes are finished with an oil or lacquer on the bottom of the block and the flu surface, which helps the moisture to pass through. You can also try very lightly sanding any burrs off the bottom of the block. Be very careful not to take wood material off the block or flu. You do not want to enlarge that opening; only remove little artifacts that might be catching moisture and causing it to bead up inside the flu. I recommend something very gentle such as a find emery board. I hope this helps.
Such a great subject for a tip video. THANK YOU. This issue drives me nuts.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the tips, I will definitely try them out! I wonder how it's to play on stage - do you change the flute after each song? How many do you have on stage and how long do you play at total? Greetings from Poland 🙂
Yes I do! Generally, my song set will incorporate a broad range of keys and perhaps a couple flutes in the same key. When flying, great consideration is necessary for choice of flutes, as I can't take too many along. I generally do not play the same flute in back to back songs to help with the wet-out issue. An hour or maybe 90 minutes max, with some chit-chat between songs, is a good day for a live performance.
@@JonnyLipford Thank you very much for your answer, it explains me a lot 🙂 And you've got new, a very young fan - my 7-month-old daughter just fell asleep listening to your new album, she found it very relaxing 😊
Great great video ❤️
Thank you for tuning in, Tommy!
For some reason the audio on this broadcast was very low. Peace and Happiness to you. Also after I eat I floss best to get that junk in the sink instead of the flute. I find that using mouth wash with a little bit of alcohol in it will dry out my mouth for about a half hour to play the flute.
Thanks for the feedback! Another great tip too!
Great tips Jonny " I appreciate you man ".salute
My pleasure! Thank you!
Very informative, Jonny. Thanks! It's a problem that all us flute players deal with, to some extent. I've learned a lot from your playing, now I've learned a few wetting out prevention tips from you! Thanks for all that you do, for the NA flute community, and.......Happy (belated) New Year! 😊
My pleasure! Thanks for tuning in!
As always, thank you!!!
My pleasure!
For a future "tips and solution" video -- why are the high notes on my flute playing flat? what can I do about it?
In my case top three notes (including the fingered octave) are 10 to 20 cents flat. I can blow very hard and get them close, but then it is very loud -- and at least one of the notes is still below pitch. I have two flute, each from a different make, and both exhibit the same "high notes are flat" phenomenon. What am I doing wrong?
Thanks for asking! It is possible that you haven't found the optimal breath pressure for those notes on your flute. It is also possible that the flute is not optimally tuned for upper register notes. Try inserting a "ta" tonguing to kick the note up without overblowing. This is a gentle nudge to the flute to move into the next register. Not achieving the needed breath pressure while using the fingering for those notes will definitely leave you flat. If you are still having problems, I do offer a course on this topic: www.jonnylipfordmusic.com/collections/native-american-flute-lessons/products/perfecting-high-odd-notes-mini-course
On the bright side, this problem does give us an excuse to have a quiver of flutes at the ready so when one wets out we can grab another one :-)
Exactly!
Fantastic tips as usual thank you!! this is my 2nd time watching to see if I missed anything on the 1st watch, Like you said some flutes wet-out faster than others I have noticed that in mine. I lightly oiled the SAC yesterday on my flutes and today my notes are cleaner and I did not wet out as fast. I did have a thought if anyone knows if this is good or bad...to hang the flutes upside down for storage. I found some plastic coated spring clips at dollar tree and using plastic packing foam as a barrier between clip and flute to hang upside down to allow the moisture to run out. But I wonder if the moisture that has made it over the ramp will collect on the backside of the flue and cause rot?
You're welcome! Most flutes will not need any treatment to the SAC aside from keeping them dry and clean. Most flute makers seal this area and any added moisture, even an oil, could cause the sealant to break down and compromise the wood integrity. Check with the maker of your flute for information. There is no harm in storing your flutes upside-down and will help them to dry. Many players dry the flutes that way to drain excess moisture before storing them on a horizontal or vertical rack.
There is a solution and there is someone who invented a way to prevent wetting out.
Thanks for watching! If you have more anti-wetting tips, feel free to drop them here. Cheers!
@@JonnyLipford check out tlcrecorder dot net his name is Werner John
Dust-off can of compressed air. Blast it out and keep playing.
Good to know!
Dont play your flute immediately after swimming.
LOL! Or in the pool!
Great tips! Thank you.
Sure.