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.
Many people are surprised by the wide variety of woodwinds that use reeds to create sound. The best known are the clarinet and saxophone. Others such as the oboe, English horn and bassoon are less well known but are still fun and challenging to play. There is quite a difference in the sounds that woodwind instruments make and part of this depends on the kind of reed that the instrument uses.
Taking care of your instrument is not hard. One of the biggest issues that you will face is making sure that all of the moisture is wiped out once you are done playing. Quite a bit of moisture can accumulate especially over the course of a performance or long practice session. You can use a soft, absorbent cloth to wipe out the inside of the instrument to get rid of any moisture.
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.
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.
Many people are surprised by the wide variety of woodwinds that use reeds to create sound. The best known are the clarinet and saxophone. Others such as the oboe, English horn and bassoon are less well known but are still fun and challenging to play. There is quite a difference in the sounds that woodwind instruments make and part of this depends on the kind of reed that the instrument uses.
Taking care of your instrument is not hard. One of the biggest issues that you will face is making sure that all of the moisture is wiped out once you are done playing. Quite a bit of moisture can accumulate especially over the course of a performance or long practice session. You can use a soft, absorbent cloth to wipe out the inside of the instrument to get rid of any moisture.
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.
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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