A large number of woodwind repairs coming in to our workshop are caused by mishandling and poor maintenance. We've made some 'fact sheets' for each instrument to help you keep your instrument at its best.
(These leaflets are in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format - to read them you'll need Adobe Reader, which is free and can be downloaded here.)
General maintenance tips
- Always store your instrument in its case when not in use.
Plated instruments tarnish very quickly if left in the open air. The mechanism will become dusty, and oil can dry up - this loss of lubrication can lead to noisy mechanism and binding.
- Use an instrument stand when you need to put your instrument down for a few moments.
Using an instrument stand for short breaks means that moisture will naturally drain out of the instrument, rather than sitting in the body and on pads. It also means it's less likely to be knocked off a table, roll off your lap in an orchestral rehearsal, or (in some cases that we've seen) sat on!
Displaying your instrument on a stand full-time however means it will tarnish more quickly and attract dust. The oil in the mechanism will dry up more quickly, and your instrument is more likely to get knocked over.
- Use grease only on cork jointed instruments and never on metal joints.
Cork grease should be used only to keep corks lubricated. On metal joints it attracts grit and dirt, causing joints to become even tighter in the long term. If metal joints are tight, try cleaning them with a silver polishing cloth, inside and out - if they remain tight, they may have become distorted.
- Cigarette papers, powder papers, chalk or graphite should be used sparingly.
Prevention is better than cure, so don’t eat or drink immediately before playing, and always dry the instrument out thoroughly after each use. The above 'cures' can actually cause more problems, as cigarette papers can scuff or tear pads. Powder papers generally attract more dirt over the long-term, so are best avoided. If sticky pads remain a problem, you could try a "Pad Saver".
- Always have your instrument serviced regularly.
Servicing your instrument keeps it clean and oiled properly, and problems which may develop are usually caught before they become serious. Your instrument will always be in its best condition, and will hold its value better.
Also see
Repair Workshop
Instrument Insurance |
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