Keep Your Instrument in Peak Condition
Select your instrument from the list below to see the video and get all the tip you need to keep your instrument in top playing condition.
Quick Tips for Flute
Daily:
Wipe off the tenon
If your joints are tough to assemble, wipe down the tenons.
Wipe off the outside of the instrument with a silver polish cloth
Flutes are graceful instruments. They like to be shiny.
Dry the inside of the instrument with a swab every time you finish playing
The pads will build up mineral deposits, causing them to stick and wear faster than normal.
Weekly:
Clean around all keys and rods with a key brush
Get in there and clean that gunk you missed during your daily wiping.
Use pad paper on sticky keys
Keys sticking? Just hold a sheet of pad paper between the pad for 10 seconds. Then pull the paper out while applying slight pressure to the key. Repeat as needed.
Quick Tips for Reed Instruments
Daily:
Check cord joints
If they aren’t sliding in smoothly, add some cork grease.
Remove the reed
Done playing? Put that reed in a nice, safe reed guard.
Swab away the moisture
The pads will build up mineral deposits, causing them to stick and wear faster than normal.
Weekly:
Wash your mouthpiece
Remove your mouthpiece from the instrument and with lukewarm water, scrub with a mouthpiece brush. Feel free to use a touch of soap.
Apply cork grease to tenon corks
Keep those corks greased, or they will dry out, causing friction and tearing upon reassembly.
Clean tone holes and between keys and rods
Use a key brush to get rid of any buildup.
Use pad paper on sticky keys
Keys sticking? Just hold a sheet of pad paper between the pad for 10 seconds. Then pull the paper out while applying slight pressure to the key. Repeat as needed.
Quick Tips for Brass Instruments
Daily:
Empty all excess water from the horn before putting it back in the case
Spit causes mineral buildup and will cause your horn to malfunction.
Check all tuning slides for smooth operation
Make sure the tuning slides move smoothly. If not, wipe them with a clean cloth and apply slide grease.
Wipe down the outside with a soft cloth
Clean the outside of your horn everyday, but especially after applying grease or oil.
Weekly:
Clean the inside and outside of the mouthpiece with conical brush
This prevents minerals from your spit will build up and restrict airflow.
Lubricate all tuning slides with tuning slide grease
Regularly lube your slides and you’ll stave off sticking.
Monthly:
Give your horn a bath
Pull out all tuning slides and remove all valves, except rotary valves. Remove the valve caps and any felts, but not the stems. Submerge all metal parts in lukewarm water with a bit of mild dish soap (like Dawn).
After five minutes of soaking, scrub the insides of all tubing with a snake brush and scrub the valve casings with a valve casing brush. Then rinse, air-dry and reassemble.
Please Note: Although a good idea, this tip should not be attempted by beginning players. Please be sure you fully understand how it fits together before disassembling your instrument.
Quick Tips for String Instruments
Daily:
Loosen the bow hairs before putting the bow in the case
If you don’t ease the tension when your bow is not in use, it will gradually become warped. As you loosen the hairs, you’ll see the bow straighten a bit. That’s the look of a happy bow at rest.
Wipe off the outside of the instrument with a soft cloth
Not only will this make your instrument sparkle and shine, gunky buildup on the instrument can wear through the varnish.
Check for cracks and bring it in for repairs as needed
Several things can cause cracks to gradually form in the wood of your instrument. Keep an eye on it and have a professional take care of them if cracks appear.
Weekly:
Remove rosin buildup
Apply a small amount of rosin remover to a soft cloth and wipe under the strings and around the bridge, where dust collects. Don’t apply rosin remover to the strings themselves!
Check pegs for slippage
Fine adjustments are difficult if your pegs are slipping or difficult to move. If that happens, use a small amount of peg dope to give you more control over your pegs.
Make sure chin rest and bridge are in the proper place
It’s a matter of comfort. Make sure these pieces are still working for you.
