I just got a used flute of eBay and I thought it might be wise to clean the mouthpiece/headjoint up properly. There's also some stuff built up just around the mouthpiece in places and just under it.

I have heard rubbing alcohol is ok? But is putting that on the same place I put my mouth a hazard at all? Also, any recomended cleaning stuffs and where to get them (UK)?

Many thanks from a complete flute beginner!

Rubbing alcohol should be fine, just don't soak it to the point that it sloshes on the headjoint cork. The fumes are nasty to breath, and some types leave a lousy taste, but otherwise it is safe. If you need to scrub, be careful not to scratch. I would dampen a paper towel and rub down the headjoint. Keep liquids away from pads.

If the headjoint cork is willing to come out you can also dunk the metal parts in soap and water - just don't do it with the cork in place.

What did you buy? Inquiring minds want to know! Buying used flutes on ebay is my FAVORITE passtime. I currently have about three that I bought there, including an open-hole solid silver Armstrong with a C foot that was a real bargain.

Jim

Hello, thanks for that!

I can't really tell if there is a cork in there or not. Looking down the tube or through the mouth hole it looks like there's metal in the end. But I unscrewed the end and looked inside. There's this metal disc which is screwed on. It has two small holes in it which I can see a cork coloured material through. So is the cork covered by metal on the mouth hole side?
The line on my cleaning stick doesn't line up perfectly in the middle of the hole when I put it in. That means I need a cork adjustment right? Other than that the flute's in fine condition as far as I can tell but I haven't played it yet because I've been really ill.

I got a Trevor James 10x for £84.

The cork is not visible. There are two metal pieces, one on each end of it and it "sandwiched" in between.
Often the rod mark is not exactly at centre of the blow hole. Those who know how and when to adjust the cork position could have moved it a little. Do not touch it unless you know it is necessary.

I think if the line on the cleaning rod is close to the middle of the tone hole you good enough for now, and I wouldn't mess with it until you have a chance to get together with someone who can teach you a little about it (a music teacher or someone at a music store maybe).

In general, the information I get by surfing the internet a little would indicate that one adjusts the cork using the crown - the metal piece screwed onto the end close to the tone hole. If you need to move the cork closer to the tone hole, unscrew the crown a little (not too much at once) and push on the crown. This should slide the cork in. Don't use too much force! If it doesn't move with a firm push take it to a repair person. If you need to move the cork away from the tone hole, screw the crown in a little. That will draw the cork out. Again, don't use too much force! If you meet undue resistance take it to a repair person.

There are headjoint tools for fiddling with the cork. I have been known to use a wooden dowel in which I have drilled a hole for the crown screw to push the cork assembly in or out. I think to remove it completely it should be pushed past the tonehole and out because the flute headjoint is tapered and smaller on the tonehole end.

Some of my flutes have loose corks which hardly stay put, but my new Amadeus doesn't seem to want to budge at all. I have heard of using wax to seal the cork, which locks it in place unless the headjoint is gently heated.

There are technicians on the forum which will yell at me if I have provided bad information. Please don't force anything before they confirm what I have said.

Jim

I'm not a flute expert, but would it be a good idea to boil it in water? Or would that hurt it?

If the headjoint cork assembly is removed first, it probably would not damage the metal portion, but I think it's overkill. If you remove the headjoint, a warm soap and water dunking would probably be adequate. The cork needs not to be exposed to liquids like that.

Jim