Flute & Piccolo Accessories

Essential flute accessories include a cleaning rod and cloth, a sturdy case, a case cover, and a polishing cloth. Many players also use a flute stand for rehearsals and performances.

After each playing session, use a cleaning rod with a soft, lint-free cloth to swab moisture from the inside of the body and headjoint. Gently wipe fingerprints from the exterior to protect the finish.

Unlike clarinets or saxophones, flutes do not use cork grease on their tenons. The headjoint fits via a snug metal-to-metal connection, so grease is unnecessary and not recommended.

A flute stand safely supports the instrument during rehearsals or performances when not in use, preventing it from rolling off a chair or music stand (these are not appropriate replacements for a flute stand). When not actively playing your instrument, it should be swabbed and stored safely in its case.

Pad paper can be used occasionally to remove moisture from sticky pads, but it should not replace proper swabbing. Overuse can dry out pads prematurely. The paper should never be pulled out from under a pad when the key is depressed.

Typically made of silicone, flute open-hole plugs are small inserts placed into the open holes of a flute’s keys to temporarily cover them. Open-hole flutes are designed so that players can vent the holes with their fingertips, which allows for more advanced techniques, better control of pitch and tone color, and the ability to perform certain modern effects. However, beginning players may find it difficult to fully seal the holes with their fingers, which can cause air leaks and poor tone. By inserting plugs into the open holes, the flute functions like a closed-hole instrument, making it easier to play while the musician develops proper finger placement. As players gain experience, the plugs can be removed to take full advantage of the open-hole design.