Micron

About Me

Woodwind repair specialist, qualified in mechanical engineering.

Ex-flute (& clarinet) teacher, home appliance repairer, classroom teacher, computer programmer.

Playing experience mainly as multi-instrumentalist in over 160 shows. Not much playing now; largely replaced with singing in a classy gay choir.

Totally non-obsessed with music.

My cat (Oscar Wild, of course) sleeps on my bed.

Diverse interests include non-IT technology, most forms of science, home orchard, badminton, hiking, and ever increasing understanding of everything in my environment, both people and things.

Well "out-of-the-square" lifestyle.

Life priority: Time with my two superb young kids.

Main internet activity: Helping people with DIY woodwind servicing, and understanding the mechanics of their instrument.

An appealing video clip: http://youtube.com/watch?v=_qf0puHJ-KM (Along with enlightening comments)

Requests to be "my friend": Sorry guys... Although I am a friendly (along with being somewhat forthright) and helpful guy (when able), lists of friends in websites is not really my thing, unless I can be convinced of any significant merit in this concept, either for an individual (perhaps because of a significant connection in some respect) or in general.

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flute_n_bassoon

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Comments

Post Comment | View All (16)

flute_n_bassoon
I checked out that video clip. It was interesting, but pretty enlightening. Thanks for posting the link.

5 months ago

Flutz_Putz
Uh... ok, sorry for that. If I've got another question, I'll post it there. Sorry. And many thanks.

13 months ago

Micron
This depends on a whole lot of things, such as the precision of the mechanism, the type and quality of oil used, the viscosity of the oil, the climate, whether oil is wicked away by the case lining, etc. It could indeed be months to years.

As a rough guide, spin a low key roller. If it spins, and makes a sound, oiling is due. If it, or any other key moves sluggishly, then possibly inappropriate oil in the past has left a dry or gooey residue. Time to clean out that stuff that should never have been put there.

The quality of the oil is important! NO additives that leave residues. Most of what you buy isnot suitable, even if it carries a big brand name. I use Alisyn totally synthetic oil on flutes. Low viscosity if I am not remvoing keys, otherwise medium.

I prefer to address questions such as this in the forum setting.

13 months ago

Flutz_Putz
Hey, Micron. Thanks for the help with the G# key thingie.

I will keep checking that shaft. So... if your main thing here is helping people, I was wondering if I could ask you another (hundred) question. When, and/or how often should flutes be oiled? I've read many different things, ranging from every 6 months to 18 to "when keys start to get heavy"... Thanks a lot, and I'm really sorry if I'm bothering you.

Oh, and great cat name. I'm a huge fan of Oscar Wilde.

13 months ago

Micron
I've deleted "Friends", and made a statement in my profile. Lists on websites are not really my thing. Thanks fro your understanding.

Life is good, thanks.

13 months ago

tenorsaxist
Hey Micron, I did not take offence!

I really didn't even notice considering my numbers, but how are you doing?

Alden

13 months ago

Micron
It should be much the same. But for many flutes, key heights, within reason, are not that critical. They are very easy for a technician to adjust.

20 months ago

tenorsax13
Question for the technician! I asked you about the sax a while back, but now I also play the the flute and I was wondering: Should the G key be higher than the other keys while it is NOT depressed? Lemme know please!!

21 months ago

Micron
You're most welcome. I dig it (epistle on open v closed holes) up from time to time, if I think it can be of any use. It did take a long time to initially asemble, and could probably do with some updating.

24 months ago

angie
re your posting on "alls well that ends well" ... just wanted to say thanks again for that, i wanted to post something similar but did not have all the credible factual information to hand. (nor the intelligence to string it all together lololol) Thanks xxxx

24 months ago

tenorsax13
yeah i was just jokin. in fact, i consider you an extremely gifted musician/technician, from what i view from posts, forums, blogs, etc.

29 months ago

Micron
I have a high degree of individuality. Uniquneness. "Weird" is a term for putting others down, usually in attempt to elevate oneself. Not saying that is the case for you.

29 months ago

tenorsax13
Oh ok so your wierd...just kidding! Thanks for the explanation!

29 months ago

Micron
What does "Out of the square" mean?
Outside the norm.
In some important aspects, my approach to life is rather different from what may be considered typical or normal.

29 months ago

tenorsax13
What does out of the square mean?

i feel so dumb for asking this...lol

29 months ago

chloe_flockart
Thankyou for the help; It was most appreciated!

2 years ago

Micron

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