fissure in the urushi at the bamboo insert

Put it back together with some Vaseline or other lubricant and then don't disassemble it again. That part of the flute is a common problem, which is why nobe flutes are preferable from a construction point of view.

Thank you Brian,

isn't it dangerous to keep it assembled eternally? will it be sufficient to avoid any extension?

It is better to keep the flute assembled all the time. The nakatsuke (joint ) will become the weak point if often assembled / disassembled. Only disassemble when necessary. Transportation should be done in a tube for protection. There is no need to disassemble for transport.

Thank you LowBlow,

and can I do something for the urushi before re assembling? like putting a bit of glue at the level of the fissure?

I don't want to do "worse" than "better"

This should be answered by a Pro fllute maker. Perry?

Hey LowBlow, My partner calls me the shak doc. Like any doc, I can't offer any good advice unless i see the patient (i wouldn't use any glue). Christophe, can up post a photo of the fissure?

- Perry

Hello Perry,

here is a photo. Yesterday I discussed with several people who had the same problem (I saw such fissures on their flutes).
I have been told that it is simply caused by a wrong movement when disassembling (Roughly the force induced by striking with my fist on the top of my hand
would not be sufficiently parallel to the flute). What do you think?

have a nice day

Bonjour Christophe,

I see there is Ji plaster under the urushi. It should be sealed to prevent breath moisture from causing deterioration. I recommend a traditional repair with urushi but if this is not an option, you can try a low-impact fix by painting a thin line of fingernail polish just over the fissures to seal them. I would use clear lacquer as it is thinner than pigmented lacquer. I would avoid using glue as I have had to do more work removing it when refurbishing this type of damage.

I see a tiny flap on the bottom fissure. You may have to gently remove it so that your cleaning cloth does not pull it off.

This kind of damage is quite common. I think it is mostly due to the bamboo joint being thin and somewhat flexible. The lacquer does not "move" with it. It can also be a result of other things such as there not being a "primer" under the lacquer. Or, that the lacquer was too thin originally.

It's always better to keep the flute in one piece when you can. Hope this helps.

Namaste, Perry

Thank you very much Perry,

yes that really helps

I'll try the fingernail polish

cheers