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Woodwind
instruments with Double Reeds: Oboe, Bassoon
EVERY DAY - Glance at the instrument to
check for loose or missing screws. Check
especially the top key stack pivot screw, and
the bottom key stack pivot screw(s). Wipe
excess moisture from the instrument bore and
wipe fingerprints from the exterior surface.
Remove the reed and carefully place it in the
reed container or small medicine vial. Punch air
holes in the lid of the container to promote
drying out. Carefully place the
instrument in the case, checking for weak or
broken case latches. Avoid placing excessive
amounts of "stuff" in the case that might damage
the instrument. DO NOTs - Do not
place the instrument on a music stand, chair,
bed, or other surface from where it can fall or
where it can be sat upon. Most instruments are
damaged from falling or being dropped or being
crushed. Always hold the instrument, have
it held by another player, or put it in the
case. Do not attempt to adjust the
instrument. Adjustment screws become worn with
constant tightening and loosening. Do not
brush against the exposed pad surface while
cleaning or polishing the instrument. The pad
skin is easily worn and contact will cause
premature failure of the pad. Do not use
abrasive polish on lacquered brass, silver or
nickel finishes. Abrasive polishes remove the
protective lacquer finish and promotes dulling
of the finish. Residue from the polish coats the
pads, encourages "rusting" of the hinge rods and
pivot screws. Overuse of polish causes
unattractive accumulation under the keys and is
difficult to properly remove. Do not allow
the instrument to become water-soaked. Rain
water and excessively damp weather will cause
pad failure and "rusting" of pivot screws and
hinge rods. Do not over-oil the keys. Excess
oil can penetrate the pads and corks. Excess oil
will dissolve glue and cause key corks to fall
off the instrument. A small drop of oil at each
pivot point is all that is needed. Do not oil
the keys more often than once a month. If your
band director prefers that you do not oil the
instrument, refer to a qualified repairman.
DOs Do keep a small soft cotton
cloth in the instrument case or available to
wipe fingerprints off the instrument and use to
clean the bore. A few drops of plain water on
the cloth will help clean fingerprints off the
instrument. Avoid contacting the pad surface
or key corks with the cloth. Do avoid contact
with the pad surfaces and key corks when
cleaning or polishing the instrument. Key corks
regulate the proper height of the keys and
silence the metal-to-metal contact when the
instrument is played. Do use a small, soft
paint brush to carefully remove dust from under
the keys. Be very careful to avoid breaking off
the small key corks. Do learn to properly oil
the pivot points and hinge rods. Oil not only
lubricates moving parts but also coats the hinge
rod and pivot point metal - reducing oxidation -
and helps avoid "rusting" or corrosion caused by
bi-meta contact. Do use a bore swab made for
the oboe or bassoon and clean the bore after
every practice. RECOMMENDED
ACCESSORIES: Handkerchief-size soft cleaning
cloth (periodically cleaned in the clothes
washer) Appropriate Swab for cleaning bore.
Key oil (use sparingly) Container for reeds
(which allows reeds to dry) Cork Grease (use
sparingly - overuse will effect cork glue and
cause tenon corks to come off. Mouthpiece
brush MOST COMMON REPAIR PROBLEMS:
Missing adjustment corks Bent "bridge" key
Octave key adjustment
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