If you love playing music and are thinking about getting a woodwind instrument you know how expensive they can be. If you are thinking about investing in a professional grade instrument instead of a student grade one it will definitely qualify as an investment that you will need to look after properly. Here are some tips and tricks that you can use to take care of your single or double reed instrument so that it will look and sound beautiful for years to come.
Many instruments in the woodwind family use a reed in order to produce sound. The reed is either clamped down onto the mouth piece in the case of a single reeded instrument or it actually forms the mouthpiece itself in the case of a double reeded instrument. The reed vibrates when the player blows into the instrument and a variety of holes and pads can be opened or closed in order to change the note the instrument is playing. Double reeded instruments tend to have a buzzing, almost nasal tone that comes from the two halves of the reed vibrating against one another.
If you are new to the world of woodwinds you may be surprised at the variety of options available. They tend to fall into two categories. The type of mouthpiece will determine which category a particular option will fall into. Clarinets, saxophones and bass clarinets have a single reed. Oboes, English horns and bassoons have a mouthpiece that is made from two pieces of reed that are strapped together.
Moisture can be a huge problem for woodwinds of all kinds. It is normal for it to build up as our breath usually contains quite a bit of moisture in it. You should make a point of wiping out your woodwind each time you practice or perform. This will make sure that it is not getting damaged when it sits in the case between uses.
Most woodwinds can be disassembled in order to put them in a case. The areas where the sections join together often have a layer of cork so that the sections fit together tightly. You will want to check on this cork periodically to make sure it is in good condition. If you need to lubricate or condition the cork there are waxes and other products that you can purchase for this purpose.
One area that often gets overlooked is the metal pads that cover some of the holes. These are usually located on holes that would be too much of a stretch for a musician to make while playing. These metal parts often have felt pads lining them. Make sure that the buttons will move the pads and that the felt lining is firmly attached to the metal backing.
Cleaning the outside of your instrument is not hard and it does need to be done on a regular basis. Acids in our skin can eventually damage the finish regardless of whether you play a metal or wooden instrument. Make sure that if you do use a cleaning product when wiping down your instrument that it is specially designed for the material you are using on it.
There are many places where you can purchase supplies such as reeds, cleaning products and other items that are needed to look after your instrument properly. Building a good relationship with the staff at these stores can be a good idea as you may need their services if your instrument ever needs repairs or more intensive TLC. If you know other players, you may want to ask them where they go to purchase supplies and have their instruments tuned up.
Many instruments in the woodwind family use a reed in order to produce sound. The reed is either clamped down onto the mouth piece in the case of a single reeded instrument or it actually forms the mouthpiece itself in the case of a double reeded instrument. The reed vibrates when the player blows into the instrument and a variety of holes and pads can be opened or closed in order to change the note the instrument is playing. Double reeded instruments tend to have a buzzing, almost nasal tone that comes from the two halves of the reed vibrating against one another.
If you are new to the world of woodwinds you may be surprised at the variety of options available. They tend to fall into two categories. The type of mouthpiece will determine which category a particular option will fall into. Clarinets, saxophones and bass clarinets have a single reed. Oboes, English horns and bassoons have a mouthpiece that is made from two pieces of reed that are strapped together.
Moisture can be a huge problem for woodwinds of all kinds. It is normal for it to build up as our breath usually contains quite a bit of moisture in it. You should make a point of wiping out your woodwind each time you practice or perform. This will make sure that it is not getting damaged when it sits in the case between uses.
Most woodwinds can be disassembled in order to put them in a case. The areas where the sections join together often have a layer of cork so that the sections fit together tightly. You will want to check on this cork periodically to make sure it is in good condition. If you need to lubricate or condition the cork there are waxes and other products that you can purchase for this purpose.
One area that often gets overlooked is the metal pads that cover some of the holes. These are usually located on holes that would be too much of a stretch for a musician to make while playing. These metal parts often have felt pads lining them. Make sure that the buttons will move the pads and that the felt lining is firmly attached to the metal backing.
Cleaning the outside of your instrument is not hard and it does need to be done on a regular basis. Acids in our skin can eventually damage the finish regardless of whether you play a metal or wooden instrument. Make sure that if you do use a cleaning product when wiping down your instrument that it is specially designed for the material you are using on it.
There are many places where you can purchase supplies such as reeds, cleaning products and other items that are needed to look after your instrument properly. Building a good relationship with the staff at these stores can be a good idea as you may need their services if your instrument ever needs repairs or more intensive TLC. If you know other players, you may want to ask them where they go to purchase supplies and have their instruments tuned up.
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