Instrument Care and Maintenance

Woodwind Links

Check out these links below for more specific information for each instrument from WindShoppe.com


FLUTE

OBOE

CLARINET

SAXOPHONE
Woodwind Care and Maintenance
  • Assembly - Make sure to use cork grease when assembling clarinets, bass clarinets, oboes, and on saxophone necks. If you can hear a "squeaking" sound as you put the instrument together, it's probably time to grease the cork! Dry corks may cause you to put undue stress and strain on keys as you force the instrument together. Also, when assembling single reed instruments, wet the reed while you put the instrument together and remove the reed and ligature from the mouthpiece before assembly.
  • Daily Cleaning: At the end of each rehearsal or practice session, make sure to carefully disassemble your instrument. Each section should be cleaned with a swab or small, soft cloth (over the tuning rod for flutes). This helps remove moisture that can damage pads. I DO NOT recommend the use of "pad saver" devices. Many claim that these devices remove moisture from the instrument when not in use. However, in my opinion they tend to hold the remaining moisture close to the pads. Swabbing should be sufficient to remove remaining moisture - leave the case open if you have the option to allow the instrument to dry complete.
  • Reeds and Mouthpiece Care: You should REMOVE YOUR REED DAILY!! Do NOT leave your reed on your mouthpiece just to save a few seconds of time. Your reed will not last as long and you risk growing mold or mildew on the reed which can make you SICK! By removing your reed and rotating it with other good reeds in a proper reed case, you will also prolong the life of your reeds - this should help save money on purchasing new reeds! Always have AT LEAST 2 (but preferably more) GOOD reeds available at all times - Remember, just because a reed is new doesn't mean it's a good reed. Unfortunately, some reeds from the factory just aren't up to par!
  • Reed Brand Suggestions: Cheap reeds create cheap sounds, so don't always go for the cheapest brand (they are sometimes harder to play too!). Vandoren (classic or V12s) are the best option and generally offer the clearest tone quality. Rico "Grand Concert Select" reeds are the next best option (not simply the "regular" Rico brand reed). 
  • Reed Strength: Reed strength will vary by person, however as a high school student, you should be OK with at least a 3 or a 3.5 reed. With very few exceptions, most students should be successful with these two options. Anything higher or lower may affect tone quality in a negative way!
Brass Care and Maintenance
  • Assembly - When assembling the instrument, insert the mouthpiece into the lead pipe and give a gentle twist to ensure the mouthpiece will remain in place. Do NOT "pop" the mouthpiece into place since this could damage the lead pipe and cause the mouthpiece to become stuck. If the mouthpiece does become stuck, please bring your horn to Mr. Brooks - he has a special mouthpiece removal tool that will remove the mouthpiece without damaging your horn. Do NOT use a tool from your dad's toolbox to remove a stuck mouthpiece - you can seriously damage your instrument this way!
  • Daily Maintenance: Each day, you should ensure that all slides function properly and that valves are oiled and move freely. Stuck slides or valves can make playing difficult and could be an unnecessary frustration or hurdle in your daily practicing routine. Valve oil comes in many shapes, sizes, and colors (Blue Juice!), but basically all brands work the same way (Horns, trigger trombones, and rotary tubas should utilize rotary valve oil - it is a little thicker for use in the unique valves of your horn). Slide grease with lanolin is the best option and lasts the longest - DO NOT USE TOO MUCH as this can "gunk-up" your slides and make it harder to move them when needed. I like this brand of slide grease the best. Trombones should use slide cream in combination with a spray bottle of water to keep their slide lubricated.
  • Periodic Maintenance: Once a week, clean your mouthpiece with soap and warm water to remove germs and debris. You can use a mouthpiece brush to help with the inside of the mouthpiece. Once a month, give your instrument a "bath" by removing all slides and valves and placing in a lukewarm bath of water and mild soap (you don't need a ton of soap). Use a snake brush to remove any debris from the inside of slides and tubing, rinse with clean water, allow all the parts to dry, then replace slides and valves (greasing/oiling them before reassembly (please check with Mr. Brooks if you have any questions about this - it is generally a fairly safe process to do on your own, but there are a few things to be careful of. Don't be afraid to ask questions so that you don't ruin your horn!). 

Brass  Links

Check out these links below for more specific information for each instrument from WindShoppe.com

TRUMPET

HORN

TROMBONE

TUBA/EUPHONIUM
Source: http://www.windshoppe.com/Maintenance.html