Post by billdsmall on Aug 10, 2017 14:37:32 GMT
Greetings all,
For most of the past few years I've played various wooden xiao, but this year I've switched to playing bamboo xiao. My thinking (rightly or wrongly) is that the very thin and untreated end cap of a typical bamboo xiao is a vulnerable area. The cap has to withstand saliva, lips, tongue, chin, teeth, facial hair, etc. If I play for any appreciable length of time the endcap seems to get somewhat damp, which can't be good for the flute's longevity.
In the hope of increasing the endcap's durability I applied with a small brush a clear glossy acrylic coating. Not only to the outside of the endcap but I also painted as much of the inside as possible by swabbing the inside through the U-shaped notch. It really dried beautifully, hard like glass. Believe me, if there were even the slightest bit of stickiness or gumminess, no matter how miniscule, I would have called the experiment a failure and turned the flute into toothpicks. But I swear the flute sounds stronger and louder. Of course I have no idea as to the possibility of long-term negative effects, if any, from coating the endcap.
So to make a long story even longer, I would really like to know if any fellow musicians reading this have knowledge of, or experience, opinions, etc. regarding the strengthening of xiao endcaps. I would appreciate and value any and all feedback. Thanks!!
Bill
For most of the past few years I've played various wooden xiao, but this year I've switched to playing bamboo xiao. My thinking (rightly or wrongly) is that the very thin and untreated end cap of a typical bamboo xiao is a vulnerable area. The cap has to withstand saliva, lips, tongue, chin, teeth, facial hair, etc. If I play for any appreciable length of time the endcap seems to get somewhat damp, which can't be good for the flute's longevity.
In the hope of increasing the endcap's durability I applied with a small brush a clear glossy acrylic coating. Not only to the outside of the endcap but I also painted as much of the inside as possible by swabbing the inside through the U-shaped notch. It really dried beautifully, hard like glass. Believe me, if there were even the slightest bit of stickiness or gumminess, no matter how miniscule, I would have called the experiment a failure and turned the flute into toothpicks. But I swear the flute sounds stronger and louder. Of course I have no idea as to the possibility of long-term negative effects, if any, from coating the endcap.
So to make a long story even longer, I would really like to know if any fellow musicians reading this have knowledge of, or experience, opinions, etc. regarding the strengthening of xiao endcaps. I would appreciate and value any and all feedback. Thanks!!
Bill
