On 28 August 2019, the CITES Convention voted to exclude the trade of musical instruments from the list of controlled items. This is welcome relief
Piccolos
So you want to be a piccolo player?
Buying a piccolo is so exciting! It may be small in size but it is a powerful instrument, and eventually, you will be able to dominate everything! It can also be a very beautiful instrument and – in the right hands – an utterly magical one.
Important New Regulations on Wooden Instruments
Update December 2019: CITES regulations no longer apply to musical instruments. In January 2017, new rules came into force regarding the wood used to make
Hidden Histories: Being a Flute Detective
Whenever we get older second hand instruments for sale, we try and research a little about its history and background; sometimes the maker is obscure and there isn’t much information around, but occasionally a fascinating story is revealed. Often more than a little detective work is required to find an instrument’s story.
Sticky Pads: A Perennial Problem
Sticky pads can be infuriating. However, they are something that nearly all flute players have to put up with to some extent. Very few flutes have no stickiness at all, and to be honest, there is not that much that you can do about it!