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.
Single reeded instruments include the saxophone, clarinet and bass clarinet. Double reeded woodwinds include the oboe, bassoon and English horn. Some instrument, such as the saxophone, are often made of metal while instruments such as the clarinet, bassoon and oboe are usually made of wood.
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.
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.
Most woodwind instruments have pads that can be pressed with the fingers to cover and open holes. These pads are often worked by means of metal buttons that are located close to where a player's fingers would naturally rest during play. You do need to check them every so often to make sure that they are easy to open and close. Check the felt that lines these pads as they may need replacing from time to time.
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.
Single reeded instruments include the saxophone, clarinet and bass clarinet. Double reeded woodwinds include the oboe, bassoon and English horn. Some instrument, such as the saxophone, are often made of metal while instruments such as the clarinet, bassoon and oboe are usually made of wood.
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.
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.
Most woodwind instruments have pads that can be pressed with the fingers to cover and open holes. These pads are often worked by means of metal buttons that are located close to where a player's fingers would naturally rest during play. You do need to check them every so often to make sure that they are easy to open and close. Check the felt that lines these pads as they may need replacing from time to time.
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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