Musical instruments are finely-crafted, valuable investments that can be easily damaged if not properly cared for. Therefore, proper instrument care and maintenance is vital for any musician who wishes to keep their instrument safe and protected. Like with any other kind of musical instrument, a well-maintained and cared-for reed instrument will have a much longer life than one that isn’t.
Whether you are playing a flute, clarinet, bassoon, piccolo or even an oboe, there are several things you can do to preserve both your reed instrument and theirreeds. Keep readingto learn some useful and easy-to-implement tips on how to properly clean, store, maintain, and protect your instruments and reeds.
Caring For Your
Reed Instrument
When it comes to your reed instrument’s
protection, one of the most important things you can do is storing it in a
weatherproof case — away from heat, direct sunlight and humidity — when not in
use. But here are some additional tips you can follow:
●
Before storing your reed instrument,
make sure you carefully swab the inside to remove any moisture. We also
recommendwiping it down as well, to help preserve its finish.
●
Always place your instrument
correctly and gently into its case, never force the case closed. Consider removing your neck strap beforehand as well.
●
Never pick your instrument up by its
keys.
● Oil your instrument’s keys regularly using key oil. You can apply it with the help of a cotton swab, needle, or toothpick to help ensure you don’t use too much oil.
Caring For Your
Reeds
Good reeds are hard to come by. So when you do
manage to find them, you need to handle them with care and do your best to
extend their life. Here are some useful tips that can help make your reeds last
much longer:
●
When buying a new reed, unpack it
carefully, avoiding contact with its tip.
●
Before playing, make sure you
moisten it first. Some musicians dip their reeds in warm water, while othersuse their saliva.
●
Once the reed is prepped, align its
tip with the end of your instrument’s mouthpiece and tighten the ligature
screws.
● Never play a new reed for more than a few minutes during the
first few days you use it. This will allow for the reed to gradually get used
to expanding and drying.
●
When you are done playing, remove it
from your instrument’s mouthpiece, rinse it thoroughly and wipe it dry to remove any excess moisture.
●
Always store your reeds separately, ideally in a reed case. A reed case will
keep them flat as they dry and help prevent
warping. It will also help protect them from
getting chipped or damaged during transportation.
●
Avoid playing the same reed every
day, as this will cause it to wear rapidly.
●
Rotate your reeds regularly.
●
Before playing, don’t forget to wipe
off lipstick, lip balm, or any other
lip product. It is highly recommended to brush your teeth and wash your hands
beforehand as well.
●
Make sure you clean your reeds semi-regularly using water and a mild
detergent.
● Avoid exposing them to extreme changes in temperature or humidity, as reeds respond poorly to dramatic environmental changes.
Getting Full
Coverage Instrument Protection
While proper instrument care and maintenance can
help protect both reeds and reed instruments, it isn’t enough to protect
against all of life’s risks. Musical instrument insurance on the other hand,
will safeguard your reed instrument in almost every situation. At Clarion
Associates, we have designed specialized and customizable
musical instrument insurance policies that offer worldwide coverage and an
array of benefits you won’t find anywhere
else.
Whether you are playing a bassoon, piccolo, oboe, clarinet, or flute, we have the perfect musical instrument insurance solution for you.
Reach out and contact us today for a quote and find out why Clarion is the leading choice for thousands of musicians and musical instrument owners.
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