Caring for your Instrument
Flute
Whether you have bought a new or a used flute, it is important to take good care of the instrument. If maintained correctly, flutes can go for years without the need for a service. Well cared for flutes also maintain their value far better, should you wish to sell the instrument on.
Essentials
When assembling the flute, make sure that the joints are clean and never hold the flute by the mechanisms. Twist the sections together rather than forcing them in. Correct assembly can prevent excess pressure on the delicate mechanisms and save them from damage. After playing, clean out the inside of the flute to remove moisture. Do this using a plastic or wooden cleaning rod (metal rods can scratch the flute) with a lint-free cloth or gauze. For a guide on how to clean the inside of your flute, see here .
Long, fluffy rods, known as pad savers, are also recommended as they are very easy to use. Pad papers are also available to absorb pad moisture. The paper is placed under the pad and the key pressed down gently. If using pad papers, open the key again before removing the paper, do not drag it out as this will damage the pad. The outside of the flute can be cleaned using a silver or microfibre cloth. These should be used sparingly, maybe once a week, to remove fingerprints and/or tarnish.
Do not use silver polish/silvo under any circumstances as these can damage the plating. Store your flute in its case when not playing as this keeps it safe from damage. Flute stands are great if there is somewhere safe to keep it, free from young children/dogs tails that could potentially knock it over!
General Tips
- Do not play your flute immediately after eating. Small food particles can enter the flute and cause damage and sticky pads!
- If you suffer from 'green chin' following a long playing session, it can be helpful to place a sticker on the lip-plate to prevent this.
- Do not keep anything in the flute case other than the flute as the mechanisms could easily be damaged.
Clarinet
Whether you have bought a new or a used clarinet, it is important to take good care of the instrument. If maintained correctly, clarinets can go for years without the need for a service. Well cared for clarinets also maintain their value far better, should you wish to sell the instrument on.
Essentials
When assembling the clarinet, you must be careful to hold the instrument in the correct position as pressure on the delicate mechanisms can easily cause damage. Hold the upper joint of the clarinet by pressing the 'ring' keys (keys are open and tone holes are visible). This raises the bridge key which aligns with the lower joint and makes the pieces easier to join. With your other hand, hold the lower body joint at the bottom end where there are less mechanisms and twist together with the upper joint until the bridge key is aligned with the equivalent section. The barrel and the bell can then be added, followed by the mouthpiece. It is important to keep the tenon cork greased so that the sections come together more easily. Forcing joints together can cause serious damage to the cork and the tenon. After playing the clarinet should be disassembled in the same order and cleaned thoroughly before storing.
Like all woodwind instruments, condensation forms inside the clarinet. This needs to removed to prevent damage to the pads and keywork. Clarinets are best cleaned with a pull-through or swab. These consist of a long piece of string of material with a weight on one end and a cloth on the other. When using a swab, drop the weight and thread down through the barrel (i.e. clean the clarinet upside down) as this prevents pulling dirt and saliva through sections which have not necessarily been dirtied. It is extremely important that the pads are kept dry. Long, fluffy rods, known as pad savers, are recommended as they are very easy to use. They are stored inside the clarinet to absorb moisture and prevent sticky pads..
Pad papers are also available. The paper is placed under the pad and the key pressed down gently. If using pad papers, open the key again before removing the paper, do not drag it out as this will damage the pad. The outside of the clarinet can be wiped down using a microfibre cloth. The cloth can also be used to remove fingerprints/tarnish from the keywork. The mouthpiece should be washed every so often in lukewarm water. Do not use silver polish/silvo under any circumstances as these can damage the plating.
Store your clarinet in its case when not playing as this keeps it safe from damage. Clarinet stands are great if there is somewhere safe to keep it, free from young children/dogs tails that could potentially knock it over!
General Tips
- Do not play your clarinet immediately after eating. Small food particles can enter the clarinet and cause damage and sticky pads!
- Mouthpiece 'patches' are great for protecting the mouthpiece from tooth damage. They also make playing more comfortable.
- Do not keep anything in the clarinet case other than the clarinet as the mechanisms could easily be damaged.