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WOODWIND INSTRUMENTS
Because your instrument is a precision piece of
equipment, proper care and maintenance should become a regular
routine before and after playing. See your teacher for more
information concerning the care and maintenance of your instrument.
Each time you finish playing, remove all
moisture and dirt particles from the bore of each joint using a swab
or cleaning rod and cloth. Disassemble your instrument and drop the
weighted cord through each section and pull the swab through.
Recommended swabs include:
Flutes/Piccolos
- Flexible vinyl-coated wire swab with
soft worsted wool ends.
- Super-soft, absorbent worsted wool end
on a spiral wire handle.
- Flutist may also use a flute cleaning
rod with the cotton flannel cleaning cloth. Be sure that the end
of the rod is completely covered by cloth to avoid scratching or
gouging the inside of the instrument.
Double Reeds
Super-soft, absorbent worsted wool end with
spiral wire handle.
Clarinets
- Absorbent wool/polyester blend cloth on
weighted cord.
- Absorbent cloth and sponge on weighted cord.
- Large 100% cotton handkerchief cloth with
weighted ribbon cord.
- Super-soft, absorbent worsted wool end on
spiral wire handle.
Saxophones
- Bristle brush under absorbent cloth with long
weighted cord
- Sax neck cleaner. Wire coil with wool swab
and bristle brush at either end Sax neck cleaner with flexible
plastic shaft.
Players of wood instruments should use bore oil.
Bore oil prevents moisture (the chief cause of cracking in wood
instruments) from saturating the bore. Apply a few drops of oil to a
second swab and pull the swab through each section and barrel.
Repeat as necessary to ensure even coating of pores in all sections.
Return swab to plastic container after use. DO Not allow oil to get
on pads.
All points where the end of a key rod meets the
post should be oiled every month or so with key oil. DO NOT apply
directly from bottle. Apply a small amount to a needle and touch the
needle to friction point. Use sparingly, as too much oil collects
dust and dirt. After oiling, work the keys and wipe off excess oil.
Avoid getting oil on pads.
Clarinet, saxophone and double reed players
should use cork grease on all cork joints to preserve the resilience
of the cork and to make assembling the instrument easier. Always
remove the mouthpiece when not in use to retain a good cork fit.
Use a duster brush to remove dust or lint that
gathers around posts and strings and under key rods. Use caution in
cleaning under key mechanism to avoid unhooking the needle springs
or damaging the bumper corks.
After playing, use a polishing cloth to wipe off
perspiration and fingerprints. To return finish to its finest
luster, rub briskly. DO NOT use a lacquer polish cloth on plated
finishes. Caution: DO NOT use chemical or solvent agents to clean
the finish of composition or plastic instruments. ALSO, POLISHING
COMPOUNDS AND TREATED CLOTHS SHOULD NOT BE USED ON GOLD PLATING.
Gently wipe gold plated areas with a soft cotton cloth.
Hard-to-remove smudges may be removed with a small amount of alcohol
on the cloth.
After playing, wipe the mouthpiece with a soft
cloth. Clean your mouthpiece at least once a week, brushing out
inside with a mouthpiece brush and warm soapy water. Rinse with cold
water and dry. After each use, you should rinse the brush
thoroughly.
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kits for most instruments.
>Click Here for more information and a complete listing
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