Thank you Bruce and Saxoclese for your generous responses. I have sprayed WD40 at the point where the crown meets head joint and will allow that to soak for 24 hours or so. Will definitely try tapping it lightly around the edges and using the glove as well as attempting to tap it 'up' gently. I imagine I only need to 'raise' it out very slightly (1/16"?) and hopefully loosen it as well as get some greater purchase on it. I will get back with my results. Thanks again.
Haynes head joint crown will not unscrew.
Hello all. Just searching for some advice. I purchased a Haynes Commercial flute which had been left idle for some time. After a clean and repad it plays nicely. The problem is that the crown does not turn (with normal hand effort) and appears stuck. Could anyone suggest a non destructive approach to deal with this problem. Heat? Cooling? WD40 or similar product? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
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Thanks Whaler for you input. This flute has an odd story to it. With mortgage, kids etc I couldn't possibly afford a Haynes. For many years I have used an Artley Artist, which I actually like, but it has its foibles. I was passing a yard sale and there was a table with a sign, 2 old flutes $60. One was a really nasty looking old Armstrong, the other the Haynes Commercial in question with original case, case cover, tenon covers and rod 23,000 serial number. Suffice it to say I bought it. It needed cleaning, oiling, full repad but now that it has been done over it has a lovely sound. To resolve the story, I took Bruce and saxoclese's advice - tapped the crown a little, used gloves to twist it a touch, then tapped the crown from the inside gently 'up'. It was loosened and raised just enough to get enough purchase to loosen unscrew it. There was quite a bit of green residue and white salty looking matter on the crown thread and the inside on the head joint. I have cleaned and oiled the thread and cleaned the inside of the head joint and now it is functional once more. Thanks a lot everyone!
Thanks for the reply Saxoclese. I am a amateur repairer who does work for myself and occasional for friends (for free). The amount I have learned on Sax on the Web has been invaluable and I am grateful that people offer up their expertise. So yes, it is easy - when someone shows you how! Adamk, it was a great stroke of luck to buy the Haynes, one that I have been able to enjoy daily! I tried a Muramatsu but for some reason, it didn't feel 'right' in my hands. Thanks everyone and be safe.
Thanks for the advice Gordon. When I took the stopper out and really had a good look at it last night there was discoloration and it was what I'd consider 'moldy' looking. It is a 60 or more year old instrument and I'm pretty sure the flute came to me with what was left of the original pads (and therefore stopper cork). I will definitely order some corks today. Thanks again for your knowledge and information.
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