Author: jhoyla
Date: 2007-11-18 05:16
Bobo's technique is what works for me (although it is years since I have played in truly chilly climes).
I always put the instrument together first - only then do I soak my reeds, a process I now do with one hand while the other hand is wrapped around the top-joint. While the reeds are soaking and I am getting music out of the case etc., one or both of my hands are always holding the instrument.
I have big warm hands, and this definitely helps!
After playing a few low notes for a minute or two (literally, no more than this), I swab once; Then, within the next few minutes of warm-up I swab again.
I use a silk pull-through that goes up and through the instrument, since I find this keeps my oboe much cleaner and drier than mops. Even though silk is not very absorbent it is absorbent enough to remove condensation, and it dries out very quickly. If one pull is "squeaky", I pull through again until it is smooth and friction free.
And I never put my oboe on a flat surface leaning on the right-hand pinkie keys unswabbed, otherwise the F-hole or forked-F vent will get full of moisture. I have a portable stand I use instead.
J.
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