Michael Lange Music Company

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"Flute Headjoint Corks"

Joseph Butkevicius

SYMPTOM:    Poor tone (Assume embouchure is correct)
CAUSES:        Headcork assembly or embouchure plate solder joint leaking.
TEST:            Cover end with hand and suck the air out. A good vacuum seal should result.

Temporary Repairs

Remove head cork assembly. Unscrew crown and force assembly down using a wood dowel (never pull the cork out through the tapered end).
Cover one end and the embouchure hole. Suck the air out and check for a leak. Any leakage at this point results from deteriorated solder where the riser meets the tube. BRING IT TO THE SHOP!
Cork should be held tightly between the holding plates with no gap. Screw the top plate down if loose.
Replace cork assembly by dropping it into the larger end and force it into the correct position with a wood stick. Adjust the position using the cleaning rod mark as a guide. The mark should be centered in the embouchure hole
Check the seal by covering the open end with your hand and sucking the air out through the embouchure hole. The headjoint should hold complete suction.
If there is still leakage then the cork has shrunk and needs replacing. Scotch tape can be wrapped around the cork to seal it in tightly until the cork can be replaced.
Check seal again. Repeat the procedure adding tape until vacuum seal can be achieved.
When time permits, have the cork replaced.
Other Causes: Sometimes the inside of the embouchure hole will be covered with a crusted film (food particles, etc.) This results in the air-flow being disrupted and the subsequent poor tone. Clean with a swab and some alcohol and all should be well.

Myths about Tuning

Adjusting the tuning cork forward or back does not adjust overall intonation of the flute up or down universally. Although you will succeed in sharpening or flattening overall, movement out of center will relatively flatten the upper register and sharpen the lower or visa versa. This will distort the scaling of the flute. Position of the cork is measured as follows: the length of the end plate to the center of the embouchure hole is equal to the diameter of the tube at the center of the embouchure hole. This measurement is most commonly 17.3mm. Physics determines the proportions! Flutes are designed to play most in tune with this proportion set properly and proper tone hole placement (scaling).

Common Mechanical Problems, Cures & Prevention

Spring slippage is a very common problem. Inspect the flute closely for closed or open keys that are not in their normal playing position. Reposition the springs using a spring hook.

Broken springs can be temporarily "repaired" by the clever use of an elastic band. CAUTION: Remove the rubber band after the concert and get the spring replaced as soon as possible. Rubber left on the flute finish will cause horrible tarnish problems.

An F key that won't close is a common problem caused by improper assembly technique. Students bend the assembly while putting the flute together. The F key foot must be bent back in position and regulated when this happens. Make sure students avoid handling keys while assembling or keep keys closed while assembling.

The C key hinge rod often works loose enough to allow the Bb-A keys to pop up. Tighten the screw to reset it, but not too tightly or the keys will bind. This rod is not fit properly on many student flutes. The mechanism can usually be refit to allow the rod to be snug and allow the mechanism to move freely (as it should be). If this is a continuing problem on your instrument, you will want to consider this repair option.

Other problems are associated mainly with adjustment screws needing regulation. Regulation will need to be done from time to time.

Inspect the flute for any ripped pads. Any rips through a pad seat will prevent the instrument from playing well below that point. Tears on the outside of a pad will eventually cause problems and should be replaced. A dab of clear nail polish can temporarily postpone the further tearing on the outside diameter of a pad. NEVER use nail polish where it might contact the tone hole.

If you have any questions and/or comments, send an e--mail.

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