 The Oboe BBoard
|
Author: KJC
Date: 2012-11-19 00:56
Hi,
After practicing for about 30 or 40 minutes, I stop to swab my oboe. I have a double ended silk Loree swab with a metal weighted end. Lately, it simply will not go through. It sticks to the inside of the bore due to the moisture. I just resort to using a feather. Is there any way of preventing it from sticking? There is no plastic coating on the metal end. Maybe there is a better swab?
KJC
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2012-11-19 01:18
Hi KJC,
My swab has started to strip its plastic coating and is doing the same thing. My temporary solution has been to dangle the end best I can through the centre of the oboe and holding the oboe perfectly perpendicular to the ground, until it slides through easily, rather than allowing the string to slide down the side of the bore. Frustrating!
My clarinet swab has ball chain attached to the end and this has been fabulous, so I did the same to my sax swab. I may attempt this with my oboe swab as a last ditch attempt before purchasing a new one.
Otherwise, I am as keen to hear advice as you are!
Rachel
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jhoyla
Date: 2012-11-19 07:43
Get some "plumber's Tape" (teflon, PTFE tape) from your local hardware store. Strip all of the plastic from the weight, and then carefully wrap the weight with a single-thickness of plumber's tape.
You'll find your weight will just slip through the instrument, better than ever.
J.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: KJC
Date: 2012-11-19 12:49
I've already tried dangling the swab while the oboe is perfectly perpendicular and taking the oboe apart to clean out the individual joints--still sticks! I think I will try J's method with the plumber's tape. What I don't understand is why it is doing this all of a sudden. Maybe there is more condensation in the oboe now due to the colder weather. The weighted end of my swab never had a plastic coating so I don't think that is causing it. I don't know how I would attach a "ball-chain" to the end--but I could see how the added weight would help. Anyway, thanks for your help!
KJC
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2012-11-19 20:29
J, I can't believe I didn't think of that! I use the stuff for everything else...facepalm.
Thanks for the tip!
Rachel
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
