kadleck

Jimi -

While I don't really have any tips there are a few things that may help. First, if the flugel is played infrequently (almost always the case), I try to leave the tuning slide in a little bit more than normal. That way when I pick it up cold it's not quite as flat as it might be. (Of course if you end up playing on it for an extended period you'll have to pull back out.)

The other idea is along the same line. Try to constantly be aware of what's coming up in the music. If you know there's some flugel on the next page, start blowing air into it well in advance, just to keep it warm. I even just throw it on my lap while I'm playing trumpet sometimes - not so much to get ready for the switch, but just to get it off the cold stand. But blowing air into it always seems to help, plus it makes it so that you're not pressing cold metal on your chops every time there's a switch.

Thanks -
Tony