Dollarhide's Music and Sound
Maintenance Recommendations
By Floyd Replogle

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