I got a new gemeinhardt flute a couple of months ago,and everything has been going smoothly.Now in the past 2 days I have noticed the foot joint is really hard to get on.In the Gemeinhardt manual it says not to grease it,so what do I do?

try taking a paper towel and wetting just the tip of it and wiping the part of your foot joint where it connects... it is probably just really dirty... you might want to try rinsing your mouth out with water before you play so it won`t get sticky like that

try asking your band director (if you have one) or my friend she had the same problem (gem... I cant spell)she told the band director and he stuck a drumstick up it to make it wider and it went right on! Mail me if ya got questions Put flute prob. on the subject Bye My name is Rachel

A lot of people have caused dents from INSIDE the flute by trying to do this with weapons like drum sticks. This type of dent is particularly difficult to completely remove.

There are specialized tools that technicians have for expanding and shrinking the joint to perfect the fit.

Yes, the most likely cause is that the tenon &/or socket are dirty. Cleaning with a cloth. Possibly with alcohol or lighter fluid may help - they will do no harm.

DEFINITELY do not use any grese or oil, or you will create far greater problems.

It is also possible you knocked and bent the tenon.

Also check for corrosion - a coloured look (probably patchy)on the surface. If so, clean it off with a brass cleaner, but make sure you remove ALL the cleaner VERY thoroughly before you assemble the flute again. (Any remaining grit will cause a hap of problems.)

This type of corrosion develops when you leave the flute assembled, wet inside, for long periods.

If all this fails, I have another home suggestion, that will be a heap safer than letting a band director getting his clueless hands on it!