Flute question?

Question:The first key is sticky and makes a peely noises every time I let go. What could be causing this?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: The first key is sticky and makes a peely noises every time I let go. What could be causing this?

It could be of any number of things. If it's been a recent problem, then chances are that there's something in your saliva that's making the pad stick (such as sugar). This is a good reason to NOT consume junk food just before practising. There's also a chance that oils from you hands could be contributing to the problems too.

What you can try is taking a piece of thin paper, such as cigarette paper, sewing pattern paper, or sheets used to absorb face oil (available at make-up counters). Put it under the key and press the key onto the paper using normal pressure. Let go of the key, and take the paper out. You don't want to pull the paper out while pressing the key as it may damage the pad. If you're really desperate, then try just a small amount of rubbing alcohol on the paper. The alcohol usually helps with getting rid of the stickiness, but it can also make a pad brittle if you're not carefull.

If you clean your flute regularly, have tried the above ideas, and it still makes sticky sounds, then it may be best to take it into a good repairman. There could be something wrong with the pad itself, such as improper seating that would need to be fixed.

Your key pad (that white part under the actual key) is getting sticky because you need to change it or else the adhesive heats up and gets on the edges and sticks to your flute.