Ethan Clarke
The oboe is a delicate instrument that requires careful and regular cleaning to maintain its playability. While plastic oboes are slightly more durable than wooden oboes, they still need to be cleaned after each use to prevent residue buildup and water in the tone holes, which can affect the pitch of notes. To clean a plastic oboe, you can start by removing the reed and rinsing it with water. Then, disassemble the oboe and wash the joints in hot soapy water, using a brush or mop to clean the bore. Rinse away all the soapy water and dry the oboe thoroughly. Finally, clean the tone holes with a cotton bud or swab, and use a pull-through or mop to remove any remaining debris. It is also important to take precautions when assembling and disassembling the oboe to avoid damaging the cork bumpers and bridge keys.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of cleaning | After every playing session |
| Purpose of cleaning | To remove condensation and particles from the mouth |
| Tools | Swabs, mops, cigarette paper, small paintbrush, cotton swab, pipe cleaner, brush, polishing cloth, cleaning scrub, cleaning/tone hole paper, oils & lubricants |
| Swab material | Silk, cotton, microfiber |
| Swab maintenance | Wash in hot water in a washing machine |
| Oboe maintenance | Avoid rapid changes in temperature or humidity, wipe down with a polishing cloth, apply cork grease to corks, store in a case |
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Disassemble the oboe
Disassembling your oboe is an important step in keeping your instrument clean and well-maintained. Here is a detailed guide on how to safely disassemble your oboe:
Firstly, it is important to note that you should always swab your oboe after playing to remove condensation and moisture. Blowing air into the oboe introduces moisture from your breath, which can collect inside and lead to residue buildup. This residue can then end up in the tone holes, creating an audible gurgling sound and affecting the pitch of the notes. Therefore, before disassembling, ensure that you have thoroughly swabbed the inside of the oboe to absorb and remove any excess moisture.
When you are ready to disassemble, hold the oboe carefully with a silver polishing cloth. Be cautious not to bend any rods or keys while holding the instrument. Begin by twisting the joints against each other, rather than pulling them apart. This is because pulling with force may result in bending the keys or long rods. If you find that the oboe is difficult to disassemble, it may be that the instrument has swelled tightly together. In this case, it is advisable to leave the oboe assembled for a while after playing to allow it to dry out and unswell.
If you are still unable to separate the joints, you can try sanding the tenon corks. Additionally, you can seek help from an experienced player who will know the proper way to disassemble the oboe without causing any damage. Remember, disassembling your oboe should be done with care and patience to avoid any accidental damage to the instrument.
Once you have successfully disassembled the oboe, you can proceed with further cleaning steps, such as using cigarette paper to absorb any remaining moisture or polishing the keys to remove dirt and fingerprints. By following these steps, you will be able to effectively disassemble your oboe and ensure that it remains in good condition for future use.
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Wash in hot soapy water
If you own a plastic oboe, you can remove all the keys, screws, and octave vents and wash the joints in hot soapy water to clean out any gunk. First, disassemble the oboe by pulling the two joints apart with only a slight twisting motion. Be careful not to knock off the two cork bumpers on either bridge key. Secure the joints in a case.
Next, fill a basin with hot water and add a mild detergent or soap. You can now wash the joints in this soapy water, using a soft cloth or brush to gently clean any built-up residue. Pay special attention to the joints and ensure that all gunk is removed.
Once you've finished washing the joints, rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any soap residue. Dry the joints completely with a soft, absorbent cloth. It is important to ensure that no water remains on the oboe, as this could lead to mould or other issues.
Finally, reassemble your oboe, taking care to align the bridge keys correctly and not to knock off the cork bumpers. You may also want to oil the joints and corks with a small amount of cork grease to maintain their condition and protect against moisture.
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Rinse and dry
Rinse the plastic oboe with hot water, ensuring that all the joints are separated and that the keys, screws and octave vents have been removed. You can use a set of old oboe mops (twisted metal mops with handles) to clean the bore while it is submerged in water. Make sure to pay extra attention to the upper body, as moisture accumulates more easily in this area.
Once you have thoroughly rinsed the oboe, shake off any excess water and use a pull-through or mop to remove anything that may have fallen in from the tone holes. You can also use a cotton bud to clean the tone holes. It is important to ensure that all soap residue is removed from the oboe, as this can affect the sound and performance of the instrument.
After rinsing, the oboe should be dried thoroughly. Use a cleaning/polishing cloth to wipe down the outside of the instrument, including the keys. You can also use a small paintbrush to brush away any dust or debris that may be stuck in or between the keys. Make sure to dry the inside of the pipe and the bore thoroughly, as moisture left inside can cause cracks to form.
To speed up the drying process, you can use a swab to absorb any remaining moisture. Silk swabs are recommended, as they are easy to clean and can be washed in a washing machine. Simply place the swab into the oboe and pull it through to collect any remaining condensation. You can also use a feather to clean and dry the oboe. Insert a sterilized turkey or quail feather into the oboe and swish it around to collect moisture.
It is important to ensure that the oboe is completely dry before reassembling it. This will help to prevent any moisture-related issues, such as warping or cracking, and ensure the optimal performance of the instrument.
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Clean the reed
Cleaning your oboe reed is essential for keeping your instrument in good condition. Oboe reeds are delicate and expensive, so proper care will help extend their lifespan. Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean your oboe reed:
Soaking the Reed:
Before playing, always wet your reed with water instead of saliva. Saliva contains corrosive substances that can damage the reed over time. Soak the reed in water for one to three minutes, depending on its age and condition. Cooler water, usually at room temperature, is ideal for most reeds as it effectively softens them. However, older reeds may benefit from hotter water (but not boiling) as it makes them stronger and harder. Be careful not to oversoak the reed, as it may become too stiff and flat.
Using a Reed Cleaner:
To clean the inside of the reed, use a reed cleaner. Soak the reed in water for one to two minutes, ensuring all the scraping of the reed is covered. Then, introduce the cleaner through the back of the staple until it comes out of the tip of the reed. Repeat this process carefully several times, and then rinse the reed under running water to remove any remaining dirt.
Preventing Damage:
The oboe reed is extremely thin and fragile, so it can easily chip or crack from even slight trauma. Be cautious of common causes of damage, such as rubbing the reed on clothing, entanglement in hair, or hitting it on your tooth. Always store the reed properly in its case to avoid improper positioning that may lead to damage.
Lipstick, Food, and Foreign Substances:
Keep foreign substances like lipstick and food away from the reed. These substances can inhibit vibrations and accelerate the decay process. To prevent food remains from entering the reed, avoid eating before playing, and always brush your teeth to maintain good oral hygiene.
Drying and Humidification:
Ensure that your reed is completely dry before storage to prevent the growth of mould and excessive humidity. Some oboists choose to humidify their reeds when not in use by storing them in plastic bags or using a humidifier reed case. However, rotating between multiple reeds is recommended to extend their lifespan and encourage embouchure flexibility.
Leak Repairs:
If your reed is leaking near the thread, you can apply fish skin by wetting and wrapping it once around. For a stronger hold, use plumber's tape, which adheres to the reed without moisture. If the leak is farther up and not covered by the embouchure, it may be best to discontinue using that reed. Try soaking it in hot water first, as the cane may swell and reduce or eliminate the leak.
Remember that proper reed care and cleaning are crucial for maintaining your oboe and ensuring optimal sound quality during performances.
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Use a swab
Using a swab is an essential part of cleaning and maintaining your oboe. Swabbing helps to prevent residue buildup from condensation and can also prevent cracking by reducing moisture in the bore of the instrument. Swabs are typically made from cotton, silk, or microfibre, with some debate over which material is most effective. Cotton swabs are considered by some to leave too much residue, while others argue that silk swabs don't absorb enough moisture. Silk swabs are also preferred over cotton as they are less likely to leave fibres behind in the instrument.
To use a swab, start by examining it for any knots and removing them if necessary. Take the top joint of the oboe in your non-dominant hand and insert the metal end of the swab into the larger opening. Gently shake the swab until the metal part comes out of the end of the oboe. Pull the swab until it starts to feel tight inside the oboe, then look inside to check if the moisture has been removed. If not, try pulling the swab back and forth through the inside of the instrument.
It is important to note that swabs designed for the upper portion of the oboe are made with its narrow bore in mind. If removed through the top, they may become stuck. Always thread the swab from the bottom and pull it out in a downward direction. Additionally, swab extractors are useful tools to avoid the damage caused by trying to remove a stuck swab.
Silk swabs can be cleaned in a washing machine, either by hand or in a mesh bag to prevent the cord from tangling. They can also be washed by hand with a small amount of detergent and water, or disinfected with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to clean your oboe after every use. This is because, as you blow through the oboe, particles from your mouth can collect inside the bore of the instrument.
You will need a cleaning kit, which includes cleaning papers, oils and lubricants, reeds, and a reed saver. You will also need a swab, which can be made from cotton, silk, or microfibre.
First, remove the reed and rinse it with water. Then, disassemble the oboe and wash the joints in hot soapy water. Use a set of old oboe mops to clean the bore while underwater, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Clean the tone holes with a cotton bud, then use a pull-through or mop to remove anything that has fallen in from the tone holes.
You can clean a silk swab by hand with a small amount of detergent mixed with water. To disinfect it, you can use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Silk swabs can also be washed in a washing machine, but make sure to use a mesh bag so the cord doesn't tangle.
