Woodwind Family Care & Maintenance Tips

Woodwinds, as with any instrument, need proper maintenance to not only sustain a great sound but also keep up that shining appearance. You should handle your woodwind with the utmost care, and also remember to practice good cleaning techniques.

• Clean your instrument – It is important that your instrument is cleaned on a regular basis. Fingerprints and any other residue from handling, exposure to air (foggy residue on silver, silver plating) should be removed with the appropriate cleaning products. It is best to disassemble it and work from there.
• Never place anything on top of your instrument- It is a given that items placed on an instrument can cause harm to it. Even if an instrument is in a hard case or a bag, potential damage can still happen.
• Be aware of temperature/humidity – Climate can be quite the factor when it comes to any instrument. Extreme temperatures can wind up harming your instrument. To prevent this, when possible, do not to leave/store your instrument, case or not, in an area where extreme temperatures occur such as in the trunk of your car on a hot or cold day, outside, etc.
• Always ensure that your instrument is dry – Moisture build-up is to be expected when it comes to woodwinds. It is always best to remove this moisture before putting your instrument in its case as any moisture on the inside or outside can cause damage such as corrosion or mold.
• Take care of what you eat or drink prior to playing – There can already be an issue when it comes to moisture building up. Another complication arises when a substance like sugar mixes in with saliva. When that happens, the pads can stick, rendering it difficult to play. This occurs after drinking any sugary beverages like a soft drink, or even if you are chewing gum right before playing. Try to keep your mouth free from anything that can lead to any complications.
• Have the Instrument Professionally Serviced – There are plenty of things you can do right at home to care for and clean your woodwind instrument. However, some things will inevitably require a professional touch. We recommend that you take your instrument to our repair technician once or twice a year for routine maintenance and a thorough cleaning. They are also useful for discovering things that you may have accidentally overlooked. They can notice problems that may lead to more costly repairs in the future if they are not handled right away.

Proper Assembly of Woodwind Instruments

Maintaining your woodwind has much to do with putting it together and also taking it apart the right way. You should never have to force any part in its place, or use excessive pressure when disassembling it.

If you ever find yourself struggling to put your instrument together, don’t hesitate to ask your instructor for help.  We are also available to assist you, either contact us directly or schedule an appointment for assistance.

We have put together some fun animated videos for woodwind instruments as part of our Instrument Assembly Series. 

In addition, Conn Selmer has put together some wonderful instrument assembly videos on youtube.

Cleaning & Care Accessories What They Do

Cork Grease

Cork grease is a lubricant-like substance used for both woodwind and reed instruments. It lubricates the cork which allows you to assemble an instrument without causing damage to it, or the cork.

This grease (petroleum-like substance) preserves the cork, sealing it so that no air leaks through during play.

Note:  Use only enough to do the job.  You may need to apply several coats to the cork of a brand new instrument.

Mouthpiece Guard

Attached to a clarinet or saxophone mouthpiece, the mouthpiece guard stabilizes the embouchure by preventing your teeth from sliding on the mouthpiece, reduces mouthpiece wear and protects the teeth.

The guard adheres to the mouthpiece and is easily removed.

Mouthpiece Brushes

Mouthpiece brushes keep your mouthpiece free of grime or dirt, which is essential for proper playing. Clean mouthpieces prevent air flow from being obstructed.

Using a brush designed specifically for it allows it to fit the mouthpiece easier, and it can also prevent any unnecessary complications that can come from using something else like a toothbrush.

Pad-Savers

Pad-Savers help keep your instrument free of moisture.

In short, pad-savers are pipe cleaners made to fit inside the bore of your instrument to clean and drive away any lingering moisture.

It also helps keep dust from staying on the pads and extends the life of the pads. To clean pad-savers, it is recommended that they be hand-washed.

Caution: When you buy pad-savers, you may be told that one can be stored inside your instrument. Be aware that this can allow moisture that the pad-saver absorbed to remain close to the pads. This can cause damage to the pads over time, so it may be in your best interest to not store a pad-saver inside an instrument.

Flute Cleaning Rod

Like the pad-savers, the cleaning rod is used to clean moisture from the inside of the instrument.

Moisture, or condensation, is produced when you breath hot air into your cold instrument and it can damage your instrument if not properly cleaned and dried before putting your instrument in your case.

Cleaning rods are made from various materials such as plastic, metal and wood.

Caution: Metal rods are highly durable, but they must be used carefully as they can scratch an instrument.

insert a small strip of soft cloth (cotton or silk) inserted on the end of the rod to clean the moisture out after you play or in between playing long sessions.

Mouthpiece Cleaner

This topical antimicrobial spray is meant to clean and disinfect a mouthpiece. It cleans it by removing the residue build-up that forms.

A single spray of the fine mist should do the trick. Let it sit after for 45 seconds so it can completely evaporate.

Anti-Tarnish Strips

Anti-Tarnish Strips keep silver-plated accessories and instruments tarnish-free by absorbing hydrogen sulfides in the air. Kept in a properly sealed environment, these strips can last from six months up to a year.

Clarinet and Sax Swabs

Moisture readily builds-up in all woodwind instruments. You are always going to get saliva and condensation in numerous places inside the instrument-it’s unavoidable.

A swab can soak up most of that moisture. This swab is usually made of a silk material and the weighted end of it makes it just the right amount of heavy to drop through the instrument without you having to force it or shake your woodwind.

As long as the string isn’t knotted or tangled, it doesn’t catch on the way down either. It’s rather affordable as well.

Bore Oil

Bore oil is used on wooden instruments like the clarinet or oboe to protect it from environmental elements. Once applied, the oil will soak right into the wood of your instrument. It’s versatile as it can be used not just for woodwind instruments, but on guitars as well.

For woodwind instruments, the oil is easy to apply, and it absorbs readily, adding a protective layer against moisture while making sure the instrument sounds as good as new.

Care Kit

If you are looking to buy most of your accessories all at once, then perhaps consider purchasing a care kit.

Generally, they contain the basics you will need to adequately maintain your instrument: polishing cloth, mouthpiece brush, cotton brush swab, cork grease, bore oil, etc.

They are not usually expensive, and can make an optimal package for a student player just getting into maintaining their instrument.