Clarke's Rosewood 3 piece flute. This is a great beginners flute and very well priced. Great tone and very responsive. Comes with bag.

 Breaking In a New Wooden Flute: A Guide for Beginners 

Wooden flutes are beautiful, expressive instruments with a rich, warm tone that develops and improves over time. But unlike plastic or metal flutes, a wooden flute needs to be played in gently during the first few weeks. If you're new to wooden flutes — or if you're a shop stocking them — here's what you need to know.

Why Break In a Wooden Flute?

Wood is a living material. Even after it's shaped and oiled, it responds to moisture, temperature, and playing pressure. If you play a brand-new wooden flute for long periods straight away, there's a risk of:

• Cracking from sudden changes in humidity

• Swelling or warping from too much moisture too fast

• Sticky or shifting tuning as the bore adjusts

A proper break-in allows the wood to gradually adapt to the moisture from your breath, and ensures that your flute stays stable and resonant for years to come.

How to Break In a Wooden Flute (Safely)

Here’s a simple, safe, and traditional method for breaking in your new flute:

 Week-by-Week Plan:

Week 1:

• Play no more than 5–10 minutes per session, twice per day.

• Wipe moisture out of the bore with a soft cloth or cleaning rod after each session.

• Do not oil unless instructed — most new flutes come pre-oiled.

Week 2:

• Increase playing time to 15 minutes per session, twice a day.

• Still clean and dry the bore after each use.

• Avoid playing in cold, dry environments or near heaters.

Week 3–4:

• You can now play for 20–30 minutes at a time.

• Start playing full tunes and working through the range.

• Monitor for any swelling, cracks, or sticky joints — this is the most delicate period.

After Week 4:

• You can now play as normal, but always treat the flute with respect.

• Regularly swab it out after playing and oil it according to the maker’s recommendations (typically every few weeks or months).

Extra Tips for Beginners & Retailers

• Always warm up the flute gradually. Don’t blow forcefully when it’s cold.

• If joints are stiff, use thread or cork grease, not force.

• Never leave your flute in direct sunlight, a hot car, or near a radiator.

• For shops: Educate buyers on this break-in period — it helps prevent returns and damage.