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Re: Cotton Swab Vs. Silk

Author: lbarton
Date: 2010-03-13 14:38

I have used both silk swabs and turkey feathers. Both will do the job if used properly. Feathers commercially available have been cleaned and sterilized so the natural oil of feather largely removed and it is now absorbent, and clean. Swabs must be thin enough and have long enough pull cords so they don't get stuck., but still used carefully so they don't bunch up.

I prefer feathers, but always trim off the thinnest tip part of the quill and also the fuzzy soft stuff at the other end so nothing comes off. I also discard them when they get bent or fuzzy looking and never push them from center tenon beyond the upper octave vent--so they don't get stuck .

I prefer them to the swabs because I can quickly remove the upper joint, and dry out that joint in the middle of a concert faster than I ever can with a swab. You don't even have to remove the reed , since you are not going to push feather up beyond the octave vent. Generally that's where the causes a problem, and the lower joints can be cleaned at leisure before putting oboe away. Turkey feathers can be obtained at craft stores, but bigger and better ones by Googling on "ostrich feathers" where Steve something, can't remember exact name sells all kinds of feathers in bulk. I do not use pheasant because they are too soft and spines too weak and thin.
Having personally known two peolple who got silk swabs stuck in their oboes in the middle of concert I prefer a turkey feather properly trimmed and used.

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Cotton Swab Vs. Silk new

hautboy

2010-03-10 19:24