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Re: Keeping it humid

Author: Bucky Badger
Date: 2004-03-04 20:02

The following is found in the boiok:
"Complete guide to the Maintenance and Repair of Band Instruments"
Author: Kenneth A Mueller,published by Parker Publishing N>Y> in 1982

page 65 as follows:

"It is not advisable to store damp swabs or cloths in the oboe case. Trapping this moisture in the case will cause the oboe pads to remain wet for a longer period of time, thus decreasing the life span. Also, excessive moisture or humidity will contribute to rust forming on the pivot screws and rods. This will eventually cause the key action to slow up or stop."

For my saxophones there is a item called "Pad Saver" which is a long swab that the maker says is a combined swab and the maker claims that it should be left in the instrument. General agreement among all the players I know is that it is ok for a swab, but no way should you leave a damp item in the instrument. Best thing you can do is after playing (when you get home) is leave the case open for the instrument to dry out. With my wood instrument oboe, I have never had cracking or problems on my oboe since 1959. I gradually warm it up and down before/after playing. It did need some new pads over the years. But I did have a post bind the action on the octave key of my wood clarinet; not sure if it was rust (corrosion) or contraction in the wood.

Above book I quoted also saws you should use swabs that soak up the water verses feathers that spread the water in the bore. Book also says to oil instrument with a feather and bore oil 2 times a year (which I do).

jim buchholz

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