Hello, I am returning to play the flute and have recently bought a second hand one. I had forgotten more than I realised and I have now discovered that the D trill key is left open and will not close. I have temporarily fixed by closing it permenantly with a rubber band (crude i know).

My question is wether anyone could tell me wether 1.) this will hinder my inital learning (My beginner book does not mention when to use it) 2.) What I would actually use it? 3.) At what stage would I begin to use it? and 4.) should I try and get a refund (I cannot afford a new one) or could it be easily fixed at a later time?

PLease help!

Thanks very much

In practical terms, I would say (as a relative beginner mind) that in the first couple of years it shouldn't be a major problem. You only really use it (to the best of my knowledge) to either trill from C# to D, this doesn't happen often, especially not for a beginner and even then it could be skipped, or to play #A''', which is to say, third octave A sharp (B flat). So initially it should be no big deal, later on though it will be a show stopper.

In other words, a lot depends on how much you paid for it. If it's a $50-100 flute which you're happy to ditch in a couple of years then it's okay. If it's a good deal on an otherwise decent flute, $200 for a newish Yamaha or Pearl for instance, then it might be worth having repaired. If you paid the going second hand-rate, or even over the market value, ($350 for a Gemeinhart sort of thing), then it's a rotten deal.

That's my two cents anyway...

Hello

Thanks very much! Thats just what I wanted to know I only paid £40 for it, which is about $80 i think so if in a few years I decide Its worth it I will do something about it then. thanks again.

The most common cause of this sort of problem is that the spring has become disconnected - although it could also be that the spring is missing, broken or bent. I most commonly see this with flutes that have been cleaned by some-one not aware of how easy the springs can become disconnected.

If you take it to a repair shop they should be prepared to give you an estimate or fix it on the spot. It shouldn't be more than £15 to replace the spring and a good repair should wouldn't charge you to reconnect the spring.

i guess with a £40 flute then it depends what make it is if it is a good make then it would be worth the repair (unless it will cost you lots to fix) but if it is not then keep it as it is and look for a better one (ebay has new yamaha 211's for about £200-£300)