On properly adjusted metal tenons that do not have heavy corrosion, grease is NEVER needed.

Grease CAN be very damaging. Grit particles from the environment can be harbored by it, and then when the joint is assembled, this abrasive material becomes embedded in either the tenon or socket, and scours the matching surface every time the flute is assembled.

Technicians who have encountered this would never suggest using grease.

It is enough of a problem already, with certain models having abrasive material seemingly embedded in the metal from manufacture. In recent years technicians have commented on this being a problem with both Jupiter and Yamaha student flutes in particular. Gemeinhardt has also been mentioned.

I forgot to mention that it can be damaging!!!!

There is nothing wrong with Gemeinhardt flutes. I have owned one for two years, and it is still in good condition. When I say that I mean it rarely ever needs repairs.

I was writing about a very specific problem, that only a few flutes seem to have, in certain brands.

I did not write about Gemeinhardt fluteS (plural) I agree that a well set-up Gemeinhardt flute is reliable. Others here seem to disagree, but I rather doubt that they have ever used a well-set-up example. Likewise, Yamaha is also reliable.

All I meant to say was that SOME Gemeinhardt flutes (along with the other two brands mentioned) have been reported to have the SPECIFIC problem mentioned. Of course, almost all Gemeinhardts do NOT have this problem. Yours obviously does not.

(My personal criticism of Gemeinhardt is tone and available volume, rather than the mechanics. The unreliable aspects of Gemeinhardt flutes can be put right by a good technician. Perhaps this was done to yours before you bought it.))

... and the volume issues can be taken care of with an $800 headjoint.

AngelGirl, you should NEVER use grease on your tenons of the flute!!! Bad! Bad! Bad!!! You are just gumming your your flute when doing that. If you have to do this to get the footjoint on, then it is too tight and needs adjusting. Forcing it is not going to help, but rather cause problems for you later.

You should contact Miyazawa and I am positive they would tell you the same thing.

"I forgot to mention that it can be damaging!!!! "

If you knew this before hand, then why on earth would you still proceed to use it on your own flute?