Oiling Flutes...

I am fortunate enough to meet, get to know and become friends with 'many-an-interesting' persons at times. These eclectic folks usually orbit around some sort of strange common denominator that we not only share, but are often obsessed with.

One group in particular is that of my 'instrument making' friends - those odd individuals that swim in crazy math, bizarre knowledge and specialized skill. I love these people because I know I'm not alone in my irrational love of science and sound. I take refuge in their company, knowing that I can indulge in conversation and topics that don't often come up in everyday-banter....

Recently, while negotiating a tupan
deal in my living room, I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with someone who plays medieval bagpipes. Not Highland bagpipes - medieval bagpipes. Big difference! I don't believe he makes them, but they are the sort of instrument that demands so much extra and unusual care that he inevitably ended up doing strange things with strange materials to get 'the sound' to work.

Thus, conversations pertinent to an instrument maker...

Our talk drifted to and fro... discussing the obligatory differences in melodic approaches, tuning variations and instrument care, etc. Then the topic of 'oiling' came up and there was little choice but to brew up a fresh press of coffee and pull out the chalk board!

I make flutes. You know that, right? I would be very surprised if you had found your way here and not realized that flute making is probably one of the more noticeable 'constants' in my life. I make a variety of styles: traditional and synthetic. The traditional flutes I craft are made from 'bamboo' and 'reed'. Many people assume that these are the same material, but that is not so.

Bamboo is, well... bamboo! Everyone has a pretty clear understanding of what bamboo is, even it's just from Asian furniture to lawn tiki-torches. Reed, on the other hand, shares a lot of the same characteristics, but is actually very different. THAT conversation will wait - it's their similarities and their relation to oiling that I want to touch on here.

I've been making flutes for 20 years and during that time I've tried everything you can possibly think of regarding oiling flutes. From motor oil to bacon grease, I've done it all (animal fat, BTW, is or was quite common 'back in the day' - it was worth a shot)!

After a lot of trial and error, I have finally settled on a blend and a process that works for me. Granted, I'm always experimenting, but I have found the combination of oils and steps that give me the results I'm after: protecting the flute and lubricating the bore.

No, I'm not going to reveal my 'secret recipe', but I am going to beg the flute makers and players in the house to reconsider the use of Almond Oil. Please... anything but Almond Oil. I know flute players and makers who will argue with me, and that's fine - to each their own - but I have repeatedly had hideous experiences with Almond Oil - I simply loathe it.

I have flutes from years ago oiled with Almond Oil that are still gummy and dirty... and resist every effort to clean them off with solvents so I can re-coat them. Many moons ago I put a lot of time into researching different oils and how they cure, etc., and discovered that there appear to be three main oils that top the list for MY needs as a flute maker. For now, I'll stick to talking about one...

Never mind the debate about oiling / not oiling your flute; I understand and respect those who don't (for whatever reason). For me, though, it's a no-brainer. Protect the instrument from cracking...smooth out the bore...help those high notes glide out in tune...

If you are going to oil your flute and want what I consider to be the best and easiest means to do it, then just use Walnut Oil. It's cheap, user friendly and cures nicely without getting all gummy. It's the most hassle-free oil I've come across.

I saturate my flutes thoroughly at least once shortly after making them. I use a piece of PVC pipe sealed at one end. I insert the flute and then add enough oil to completely submerge it and leave it overnight. After I remove the flute, I either soak another one or drain the oil back into the bottle for future use. I hang the flute over a small bowl or can so the excess oil can drain out without making a mess.

After a day or two, the flute is ready to play. I make it a point to NOT TOUCH THE INSIDE OF THE BORE for awhile to let the oil soak in and harden. Nothing crazy will happen, but touching the oily surface will blemish an otherwise smooth finish.

Some sources say to let the oil cure for weeks before playing the flute. Others oil their flutes so often that it'd be impossible to allow such time. I've found that a day or two works well for me. After a full soak, I usually just oil the bore on occasion without any concern for 'cure time'; just coat and play...

Not too long ago I ordered a 'bansuri' from a respected merchant. I wanted to support another craftsman and also compare notes to my own design and craftsmanship. I waited patiently and finally the flute arrived (Keep in mind I live in Las Vegas, where it is very dry...as in 2% humidity at times).

I pulled the flute out of the box and played a note.

The flute instantly cracked between two of the finger holes... so I repaired it.

The next day, I played a note.

The flute instantly cracked between two different finger holes!

In that moment, any and all doubt I had regarding my oiling practices vanished. The process I use has repeatedly yielded instruments that withstand dry heat, dry cold and / or all the humidity that you can throw at 'em. With respect to other traditions and makers, I firmly hold my ground that oiling your flutes is a good thing...for many reasons!

My own explorations have led me to blend several different oils and administer them in a very particular fashion, but that whole process came from the total success I found by using Walnut Oil. I do not doubt that there are many other oils that do a fantastic job, and I'm sure there are those who swear by Almond Oil. My experience, though, has led me far away from Almond Oil and to the much happier land of Walnut Oil..!

I encourage you to experiment with anything you can get your hands on, but please use a test piece of bamboo or reed at first - don't jeopardize a perfectly innocent flute until you are sure you are going to get the results you want! There's nothing worse than looking at what WAS your favorite flute covered with a bunch of dirty, gummy shit...

Feel free to leave a comment! Even if you disagree with me, I'd love to hear from you..! I hope all is well...

Peace,
J