OBOE
Daily Care
1. When removing your oboe from its case, never pick it up by the keys. Remove it by the ends where there are no keys.
2. When putting your oboe together, first apply a small amount of cork grease to the tenon corks as needed. Newer instruments or instruments with recently repaired corks will become sticky and need cork grease more often.
3. Put the oboe together with a slow back-and-forth twisting motion. Never push or pull the oboe when assembling or disassembling since this can damage the tenon or tear the cork.
4. After you are finished playing, pull a cleaning swab through all parts of the oboe to remove moisture. Make sure you take the oboe apart and swab each section individually. Never attempt to pull the swab all the way through the top joint or the swab will get stuck. Carefully wipe off the outside of the instrument and keys to remove oils or perspiration caused by your hands.
5. Always store your oboe in its case when not in use. Do not place anything in the case that can press on the oboe, this can bend keys.
6. NEVER leave your oboe standing upright. If you must walk away from it, leave it lying horizontally with the keys pointed upward.
Monthly Care
Check all screws and springs to see if any are coming loose. If they are, take your oboe to your teacher to have them adjusted. It is not suggested that you try and adjust them yourself because they can be over-tightened or damaged.
Yearly Care
If needed, it is recommended that you have your instrument checked and adjusted by a repair professional. The shop may find adjustments or worn pads that are affecting the optimal performance of your instrument.
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