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.
Look inside the sections before you agree to buy anything. Does it look like the moisture has been wiped out every time the unit was used? If you are looking at a wooden unit you will want to make sure that moisture has not caused the unit to warp or swell. If it has, this may mean that you will never be able to play your purchase and it may mean you have wasted your money.
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.
It is a good idea to wipe off the outside of the instrument from time to time. If you have a saxophone or an instrument that is made from metal, wiping down the surface with a soft cloth and using an appropriate metal cleaner will keep your instrument looking its best.
If you are not sure where to purchase parts and cleaning supplies you may want to check at your local instrument shop. They can also give you tips and tricks on tightening screws and keeping valves and pads working properly. If you have a serious problem, you may also need to have them repair any damaged areas so that you can get back to making music as soon as possible.
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.
Look inside the sections before you agree to buy anything. Does it look like the moisture has been wiped out every time the unit was used? If you are looking at a wooden unit you will want to make sure that moisture has not caused the unit to warp or swell. If it has, this may mean that you will never be able to play your purchase and it may mean you have wasted your money.
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.
It is a good idea to wipe off the outside of the instrument from time to time. If you have a saxophone or an instrument that is made from metal, wiping down the surface with a soft cloth and using an appropriate metal cleaner will keep your instrument looking its best.
If you are not sure where to purchase parts and cleaning supplies you may want to check at your local instrument shop. They can also give you tips and tricks on tightening screws and keeping valves and pads working properly. If you have a serious problem, you may also need to have them repair any damaged areas so that you can get back to making music as soon as possible.
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