I have a Pearl flute on trial from FFA.... It was tight at the convention and needs to be sized, but it was still able to go in and out and was tolerable as a temporary thing. I got it home and began playing it..... But when I went to remove the headjoint from the body it resfused to come off. It's definitely not budging.... I even tried rubbing a bit of ice near the connecting area and putting a tad of butter around the area where the tenon connects.... but no luck. The flute is still fully put together on my counter... I'm unable to put it away... Has this happened to anyone? What can I do? Also, I cleaned the tenons of any dirt before putting the flute together so that can't be the problem. Help would be appreciated....

What I would do is try cooling with iced water the headjoint part closer to the body and at the same time heat very carefully the body barrel, but not over 60ºC (140ºF).

Then, while cold+hot, hold the body firmly, but staying away from the keys and try to rotate slightly the HJ to either side and see if it moves. If it does, pull with force while keeping the rotation, a little in each direction. Use gloves or some other protection for your hands as 140ºF can burn.

If doesn't, I think you will have to take it to repair shop

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But as it is on trial, an alternative could be to return it "as is", reporting a defect. And hope they will not charge you for the problem.

The advice above is good. Just be VERY careful not to bend or do any other damage when trying to remove it. If you can't get it out take it to a repair shop. I wouldn't think they would charge that much for it. (if they charge you at all)

Ugh.... I'm going to try the hot/cold thing.......

The hot/cold thing sounds good, I once had this happen to my piccolo, so I poured extremely hot water over the connecting bit, and it came off relatively easily! I was very careful to not get any water near the keywork!!!! Also, it's a plastic piccolo, so it was ok!

If you are who I think you are. I'm still here at the convention until tomorrow morning. Contact me at my pearl email below, and I can meet you in the lobby to help you out with it.

joebutkevicius@pearlflute.com

Joe B

Hi Joe. Yup that is me.... Unfortunately I am no longer at the convention.... I have gone back to the University of Florida in Gainesville. What would you suggest I do? I'm considering bringing the flute to my flute teacher tomorrow.

Unfortunately, It's hard to travel and bring resizing tools to conventions...

I'm actually here until Tuesday. Going to Tampa tomorrow for Napbirt Convention preliminary work, and then heading back to Orlando Tuesday to fly out. So Flutistgirl can also catch me on the way back before I head back out to Pearl too.

Micron, I promise I'll be gentle...
Joe B

You are going to be around Gainesville?... Wow, this headjoint is very much stuck. Kind of sad that I can't clean the flute too...

Check your Forum Inbox and call my cell.

Joe B

I'm going to Tampa tomorrow and heading back to Orlando on Tuesday, late afternoon for my flight out.

Joe B