As a beginner who is just starting to work with a woodwind instrument, you know that there is a lot to learn. Not only do you need to learn how to read music and develop your playing technique, you also need to learn how to take care of your single or double reed instrument. Here is what you need to learn to make sure that the instrument you are playing looks and sounds great for years to come.
If you have taken a close look at a saxophone or clarinet, you have likely seen what appears to be a piece of bamboo or wood clamped onto the mouthpiece. That is a single reed. Other instruments such as the oboe, bassoon and English horn have different mouthpieces that look like a single piece of wood that has been folded in half with a space in between. That is also the reed. When the player clamps the end with their lips and blows through, the wind causes the mouthpiece to vibrate.
Single reeded instruments include the saxophone, clarinet and bass clarinet. Double reeded woodwinds include the oboe, bassoon and English horn. Some instrument, such as the saxophone, are often made of metal while instruments such as the clarinet, bassoon and oboe are usually made of wood.
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.
Something that is often overlooked is the cork that lines the areas where a woodwind's sections connect. Check it carefully. Is it dry and cracked? Are pieces of the cork missing? If they are the sections may not fit together properly and may be quite expensive to repair. Only you will know whether it is something you are willing to pay for.
Most woodwind instruments have pads that can be pressed with the fingers to cover and open holes. These pads are often worked by means of metal buttons that are located close to where a player's fingers would naturally rest during play. You do need to check them every so often to make sure that they are easy to open and close. Check the felt that lines these pads as they may need replacing from time to time.
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.
If you have taken a close look at a saxophone or clarinet, you have likely seen what appears to be a piece of bamboo or wood clamped onto the mouthpiece. That is a single reed. Other instruments such as the oboe, bassoon and English horn have different mouthpieces that look like a single piece of wood that has been folded in half with a space in between. That is also the reed. When the player clamps the end with their lips and blows through, the wind causes the mouthpiece to vibrate.
Single reeded instruments include the saxophone, clarinet and bass clarinet. Double reeded woodwinds include the oboe, bassoon and English horn. Some instrument, such as the saxophone, are often made of metal while instruments such as the clarinet, bassoon and oboe are usually made of wood.
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.
Something that is often overlooked is the cork that lines the areas where a woodwind's sections connect. Check it carefully. Is it dry and cracked? Are pieces of the cork missing? If they are the sections may not fit together properly and may be quite expensive to repair. Only you will know whether it is something you are willing to pay for.
Most woodwind instruments have pads that can be pressed with the fingers to cover and open holes. These pads are often worked by means of metal buttons that are located close to where a player's fingers would naturally rest during play. You do need to check them every so often to make sure that they are easy to open and close. Check the felt that lines these pads as they may need replacing from time to time.
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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