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.
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.
It can be a good idea to physically inspect a potential purchase rather than simply looking at pictures. If you do, look at the keys that connect to metal pads. Make sure that any felt that is under the pads is in good shape and that the pads will move when the keys are pressed. If they don't, it may mean that you will need to repair the instrument before using it and this can be quite expensive.
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.
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.
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.
It can be a good idea to physically inspect a potential purchase rather than simply looking at pictures. If you do, look at the keys that connect to metal pads. Make sure that any felt that is under the pads is in good shape and that the pads will move when the keys are pressed. If they don't, it may mean that you will need to repair the instrument before using it and this can be quite expensive.
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.
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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