Flute Care: Keeping the Spirit Singing
At Windwalkers, every flute is a piece of the forest’s heart, carved to carry its magic through your breath. With a little care, its voice will stay as vibrant as the day it was made. These tips will help you protect your flute’s wood and finish, ensuring it sings its story for years to come.
Caring for Your Flute
Shield from Extremes: Wood and shellac are sensitive to temperature swings, which can cause cracking or warping. If you’re playing outdoors, try to avoid prolonged exposure to intense heat—like leaving your flute on a hot surface under the sun for hours. A quick outdoor session is fine, but store it in a shaded case or pouch when not in use. Also, avoid playing in freezing conditions, as extreme cold can stress the wood and finish.
Protect the Shellac Finish: Most Wind walkers flutes are sealed with a natural shellac finish to bring out the wood’s beauty and protect it. Avoid using oils like linseed oil or mineral oil, as they can soften or damage the shellac. If the finish looks dull, a gentle wipe with a damp cloth (water only) and a soft polish with a dry cloth can restore its shine.
Check the Sound: If the tone feels off, check the sound holes and block for debris. A quick wipe with a dry cloth, or a hefty blow can clear blockages. Be gentle around the fipple area to avoid wear.
Maintain the Block: The block (or totem) directs air to create the flute’s sound, so keep it secure and clean. If it’s tied with a strap, check the strap regularly for wear and ensure it’s not too tight, as this can stress the wood or shellac over time. Wipe the block with a dry cloth after playing to remove any moisture, and store it separately if you’re not playing for a while to let the flute breathe.
Dry After Use: Playing leaves moisture inside the flute from your breath, which can harm the wood over time. After playing, remove the bird and gently shake the flute to dislodge any water droplets from the slow air chamber, Use soft cloth to wipe down the flue. Then, let the flute air dry fully in a well-ventilated space before storing it in a case to prevent cracking
Play with Care: Play your flute often to keep its spirit alive—a few notes a day can make a difference. But avoid playing in very humid or rainy conditions, as excess moisture can seep into the wood, even with a shellac finish.
Store Safely: Keep your flute in a protective case or pouch to guard against scratches, impacts, and dust. This also helps maintain a stable environment, shielding the wood and finish from humidity swings.
Avoid Overplaying: Long playing sessions can cause excessive moisture buildup from your breath, which may seep into the wood and stress the shellac finish. To protect your flute, take breaks during extended play—let it rest and dry out between sessions to keep its voice clear and its wood safe.