Irish (wood) Flute Maintenance: Oiling and Care

[@Ryush806]

Lolol I very much enjoyed the "Don't pour Guinness in it" at the end. Coming from a classical background, it pains me to play after drinking a sticky beer but it probably doesn't matter too much.

[@whistletutor]

:) Glad to know some folks watch through the end haha

[@galwaytribesman9289]

I love oiling my flute

[@thedulcimer]

Perfect timing on this! I have a keyed Barna Gabos flute on order.

[@saoirsepaddy]

I just got my McNeela blackwood flute today with the flute maintenance kit Thanks for the tips I dig your video's

[@buzzquille]

This is great, thank you. Just what I was looking for. Just needed to see how different it was from oiling my traversos and recorders. I especially appreciate the plastic wrap for the key pads.

[@peterflute2817]

I never heard of bore oil I've been using almond for 20 years now and no problems juts take a time to dry in this dump weather in Ireland, thanks for your videos bro 👍

[@arkieda]

If your flute maker does recommend almond oil, I'd recommend getting it from a health food store or even a regular grocery store in the cooking oil section. Body shops tend to put extra crap in their oil, and it's a fair bit cheaper elsewhere.

[@Kitiwake]

It has to be mixed with something else. What is it? I have almond oil from an e cigarette store. It has congealed so much it's practically unusable.

[@arkieda]

@@Kitiwake Oil is tricky, I know that a lot of manufacturers dilute their olive oil with canola oil or something similar, maybe almond oil has the same issue. Maybe it's just too old?? I'm not really an expert, I'm afraid. Try consumer reports and see if you can find a reputable brand.

[@pinkthatsall3]

@@Kitiwake You need to mix some Vitamine E in it! That helps it to not get rancid. You get that in the drugstore or pharmacy in little Oil filled pills - just cut a few and put in the almond oil. :)

[@buzzquille]

I use raw linseed oil for some flutes, and food grade mineral oil for others. From the respective makers recommendations.

[@BB-pn2qv]

Just did! Needed this video

[@garymcnaughton2338]

Thank You 😊

[@nicolasmason8799]

This is a supe helpful video. Thanks!

[@BB-pn2qv]

Is it possible to make a case for Irish flutes from a cheap classical flute?

[@aferetis2379]

awesome video!

[@eedbjp]

I’m laughing out loud . Thanks so much

[@c47force15]

Should be noted that a newly oiled flute shouldn't be played for a few days. Let the oil soak in. Also regularly turn the parts over the few days to avoid pooling. You'll know its ready to go when you look through and see a silk sheen on the bore rather than a glosssy look. One of the main reasons to oil a flute is to reduce the bore surface air resistance which will make the flute sound brighter, note changes will respond faster, there will be less 10khz hiss and the flute will require less air to play the same passages compared to an un oiled flute. Note the flute will sound terrible until the oil has soaked in. Also note a flute can survive fine without oiling for years, but if you want to keep the tone you need oiling once or twice a year. Edit one more. When you replace the stopper the general rule it to place it back at the distance of the bore diameter from the embouchure hole. This is usually somewhere between 18 and 20 mm on irish D flutes. Normally 19mm but not always. You can increase the bottom end tone a little by pulling the stopper back maybe 1mm or 2 mmm this gives a nice bassey D good for irish music or push forward up to 2mm for a brighter sweeter tone better for more classical. Note moving the stopper more than 1-2mm from nominal starts to affect tuning between octaves so...

[@JohnRamos-ml9mo]

I have a maple wood whistle. Could I use walnut oil for it? Thanks in advance

[@whistletutor]

I'm not familiar with walnut oil myself but if you're unsure I'd definitely check with the maker and see what they have to say

[@AngusRobins]

Ive got a Terry McGee flute on order and was wondering what the import tax/duty to the UK would be like...anyone able to offer any idea?

[@Kitiwake]

What's bore oil?

[@kirklagory5230]

I just purchased a McNeela blackwood flute, but no care and maintenance instructions came with it. Your video was very helpful. The one thing that confuses/worries me is what to do with the head cork when oiling. You seem to recommend removing. Can you do that without damaging? Should it be greased? BTW, thanks for another great video!

[@allonwne]

McNeela have some advice on their website - they sell grapeseed bore oil and a flute maintenance kit.

[@saoirsepaddy]

I just got my McNeela blackwood flute today with the flute maintenance kit

[@paulmitchell5349]

Thought of being a comedian ? You have a great deadpan style.

[@harryfurphy1491]

I use Walnut oil for my flute. the man who made mine told me its what he uses.

[@EricOwensFlute]

Olive oil works as well.

[@whistletutor]

Ooo I've heard loads of recommendations to avoid that as it can easily go rancid - proper bore oil ftw

[@EricOwensFlute]

@@whistletutor ​​⁠This may sound like a strange question but it’s an honest one. What is the downside of rancid olive oil? I cook with olive oil and never clean it out of the frying pan. I’ve never noticed a difference between old or new olive oil either in taste or smell. My other question is where’s the harm in keeping your flute assembled other than when you’re oiling it? I love your channel btw.

[@Playingwith3D]

I can sympathize with you on your anecdote about not knowing when girls are intrested in you. I am completely oblivious to body language and verbal cues, with a generous dash of social awkwardness to top things off. 😂