Basics of Oboe Maintenance

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Basics of Oboe Maintenance Swabs: It is essential for every oboe player to own an oboe swab. It prevents the oboe from having accumulating spit beneath the keys and keeps the bore of the instrument clean. Swabs that are not "pull-through" are not best for this task. Although they are quite easy and quicker to use than thicker swabs, they eventually fill the octave vents with spit and other debris from the instrument as it is pulled through. Feathers are not as good as silk swabs either; the leave even more feather debris that can even end up going inside the tone holes. This can later hinder how the instrument plays if it is not serviced and cleaned regularly. Also be very careful to NOT try and force a stuck swab out. The oboe can be permanently damaged this way so it is best to take it to a technician to remove it the safe and correct way. (This is usually an inexpensive and easy repair) Here is a link to where I found the best quality and fairly priced swabs. (The Loree Microfiber is especially nice) http://www.forrestsmusic.com/swabs.htm Cleaning Cloths: The best way to keep the oboe keys looking and maintaining themselves great is by using regular cotton cloths or handkerchiefs. NOT silver polishing cloths like most people would imagine. Most silver polishing cloths are a bit too abrasive to be used regularly and will eventually cause damage to the silver plating on the keys. It’s best to use these cloths only 2 or 3 times a year. DO NOT use silver polishes and other chemicals. Weather: Wooden oboes, especially, have to be very well protected for drastic changes in temperature and humidity. If the body of the oboe is wooden it runs the possibility of cracking (more so if it’s a new instrument) Even if the oboe is made of plastic it will be much easier to get condensation in the tone holes from the drastic change in temperature. That being said, it is

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