All Powell Flutes are delivered with a cherry wood cleaning rod, cleaning gauze, and cloth. Below are some guidelines to keeping your flute in shape and out of the shop!

Swab the inside of your flute after every playing session. This is done by covering the end of the swab stick with the gauze; be careful not to force the swab stick against the headjoint cork. Always store the swab in your case, not inside the body of the flute.

Next wipe the exterior of the flute gently with the polishing cloth and stay away from pads and corks. (Do not use silver polish to clean your flute.) We also urge you to brush your teeth and wash your hands before you practice or perform.

Headjoint Corks

The headjoint corks on Powell flutes and piccolos are positioned for correct intonation when they are shipped. In the event that you need to check your headjoint cork position, each swab stick has a register mark, which should be centered, in the embouchure hole to indicate the correct placement of the headjoint cork. The player is advised not to reposition the cork themselves, unless they have been trained by a professional.

Key Oil

Powell uses special oil that does not mix with common instrument key oil. If your flute is in need of new oil and you are not having your flute repaired by Powell, be sure the Powell key oil is flushed out before the new oil is added.

Sticky Pads

It is common to have moisture build up on a pad which leads to sticky pads. To relieve the stickiness, place a piece of Zonda® woodwind drying paper (or non-gummed cigarette paper) between the key and tonehole. Close the key, then open the key and remove the paper. Do not pull the paper out when the key is closed.

Clean, Oil and Adjust

The Clean, Oil and Adjust (C.O.A.) is intended to keep your flute playing at its peak and to extend the time between overhauls. A good rule of thumb is to have a C.O.A. done once a year. On average, a C.O.A. requires two weeks to be completed. A C.O.A. done at Powell Flutes includes: 1. The instrument is play tested 2. All pinned sections are taken apart and cleaned 3. All keys are cleaned out and oiled 4. Tarnishield is hand applied to the flute body to remove as much dirt and tarnish as possible without buffing. 5. The keys are reassembled and the instrument is regulated. Minor pad shimming is done if necessary. 6. The headjoint cork is checked and replaced if necessary. 7. The instrument is play tested.

Overhauls

An overhaul involves the complete disassembly and reconditioning of an instrument. The time between overhauls is dependent on many factors, including climate and the quality and frequency of C.O.A.'s. A rough average would be three to five years. On average an overhaul requires four weeks to be completed.

An overhaul includes done at Powell Flutes includes:
1. The instrument is play tested and checked for all mechanical and structural work that will be required. The client will be contacted if the required work exceeds the authorized limit, and the charges will be discussed.
2. All pinned sections are taken apart, pads are removed and thrown away.
3. Corks, felts, foams and headjoint cork are removed and thrown away.
4. The flute is cleaned in an ultrasonic bath to remove dirt, oil and grease. The flute body and keys are then dipped in a tarnish remover.
5. Swedging, replacement of worn pins, and key fitting, as well as required mechanical and bodywork are one, as per findings in #1 above.
6. The precious metal parts are shined and treated with silver polish.
7. Pads are installed.
8. Corks, felts and foams are attached. The headjoint cork assembly is polished and a new headjoint cork is installed.
9. The keys are oiled and assembled.
10. During the final padding process the instrument is played frequently so that pads can settle. Adjustments are made.
11. The instrument is play tested.
12. The instrument case is cleaned and polished, then shimmed (if necessary) so that the instrument fits snugly.
Exclusions: The removal of scratches, nicks and dents is done only at the client's request.
 

Break-In Period

A wooden flute must be properly broken- in to prolong the life of the instrument. For the first two months, you should play your instrument for no more than 20 minutes at a time. You should not play it again for at least four hours. Thoroughly swab out your instrument with a cotton or linen cloth immediately after each playing session.

During the first month, do not play the wooden flute more than twice a day; during the second month, you may increase the frequency to three times a day. After the first two months, you may gradually increase both the time and frequency of playing sessions until, after six months, the instrument may be regarded as fully broken- in.

Preventing Cracks

To minimize the chance of cracks occurring, two cautions are absolutely essential:

• Avoid rapid changes in temperature. You can help by keeping the instrument well insulated - use both the case and case cover - and do not leave the flute in your automobile.
• Never allow standing moisture to accumulate in your flute, especially in the headjoint. Always swab your instrument frequently.

If you think your instrument has a crack, you should:

• Swab out the flute thoroughly.
• Let the flute air dry at room temperature before closing the case.
• Contact Powell or your authorized Powell technician. Nearly all cracks are repairable. However, Powell's one year warranty against cracking is null and void if someone other than Powell or an authorized Powell technician works on a Powell instrument.

For information on Clean, Oil and Adjusts or Overhauls please visit the Metal Flutes Maintenance section.

Powell piccolos are equipped with a two piece cleaning rod that can be used to swab the entire length of the piccolo without removing the headjoint. Prior to playing the piccolo be sure to warm it up using warm air. If the piccolo is going to be sitting for awhile with out being played, positioning the piccolo between your arm and rib cage will allow the piccolo to warm up quickly and safely. To insure that no damage is caused to the inside bore of the piccolo, use an extremely thin, short cloth, no more than 6" long and 1/2" wide. Using a cloth this small will also prevent the swab from getting jammed inside the piccolo.

Piccolo Wood: Preventing Cracking

A well made and well cared for wooden piccolo will improve with age and give you years of delight, All Powell piccolo's are made from the finest aged grenadilla or kingwood. Breaking in the piccolo for the six months is extremely important to prolonging the life of the instrument. (see below for more information on breaking in). Once the piccolo is broken in, the chance of cracks occurring can be minimized by:

• Avoiding rapid changes in temperature. You can help by keeping the instrument well insulated - use both the case and case cover - and do not leave the piccolo in your automobile.
• Never allow standing moisture to accumulate in your instrument, especially in the headjoint. Always swab your instrument frequently.

Breaking in a piccolo: For the first two months, you should play your instrument for no more than 20 minutes at a time. You should not play it again for at least four hours. Be sure to thoroughly swab out your instrument with a cotton or linen cloth immediately after each playing session. During the first month, do not play the wooden piccolo more than twice a day; during the second month, you may increase the frequency to three times a day. After the first two months, you may gradually increase both the time and frequency of playing sessions until, after six months, the instrument may be regarded as fully broken- in.

Oiling a Piccolo

The benefits of oiling are an improved appearance and a slight increase in the moisture resistance of the wood. Only Powell Flutes or an authorized Powell repair technician should undertake the task of applying oil to the bore of a piccolo body.

Your wooden headjoint may benefit from an occasional application of almond oil to the bore and embouchure hole after it is at least one year old. Be sure to use only pure pressed almond oil. A small amount of almond oil may be applied to a cloth swab; use this oiled cloth to wipe the headjoint bore very lightly. Be very careful not to get oil between the cork assembly and the bore of the headjoint.

A cotton swab may be lightly moistened with oil and used to gently wipe around the inside of the embouchure hole. Use extreme caution in wiping, as the delicate edges of the hole might become damaged. Oil, after it is applied, whether to the bore or the embouchure, must be wiped off thoroughly but gently. A buildup of oil around the embouchure hole will have an adverse effect on the playing characteristics of the headjoint.
 

Metal Flute Repair Warranty

Flutes and headjoints purchased directly from Powell are covered by a one year adjustment warranty. The adjustment warranty is voided if anyone other than Powell or its authorized repair representatives works on the instrument during the warranty period without Powell's prior approval. The effective date of this warranty begins with the date of shipment. All warranties are restricted to the original owner and exclude abuse.

If your instrument is under warranty and is in need of adjustment, please call your local authorized Powell repair representative or Powell or as soon as possible. To schedule an overhaul or other non-warranty maintenance work at Powell Flutes, an appointment is required. Be sure to save your flute carton for the safe shipping of your Powell.

Metal Headjoint Exchange Warranty

Any standard metal flute headjoint purchased directly from Powell Flutes can be exchanged for another headjoint for up to one year from the date of purchase, provided the returned headjoint is in good repair and has not been altered to fit your flute. The warranty is restricted to the original owner only. An owner desiring to make a headjoint exchange will be billed for postage for each trial shipment. Powell reserves the right to limit trial headjoint shipments to three shipment of three headjoints within the year.

Wooden Flute Warranty

Powell warrants that your new wooden Powell flute will be free of manufacturing defects, including cracks, for the first 12 months from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover damage caused by normal use and wear and tear, or damage resulting from misuse, improper care, accidents, or unauthorized repair or service. If Powell determines that a manufacturing defect exists after reasonable investigation, Powell shall, at its option, repair or replace the defective part at no charge.

Wooden Flute Free Inspection

We strongly recommend that you send your wooden flute back to Powell or your authorized Powell technician for a free inspection around 9- 12 months after you receive your new flute. We will inspect the flute for cracks, oil the bore, and make minor mechanical adjustments, if needed, all at no charge.

Wooden Piccolo Warranty

Powell warrants that your new wooden Powell piccolo will be free of manufacturing defects, including cracks, for the first 12 months from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover damage caused by normal use and wear and tear, or damage resulting from misuse, improper care, accidents, or unauthorized repair or service. If Powell determines that a manufacturing defect exists after reasonable investigation, Powell shall, at its option, repair or replace the defective part at no charge.