Care Instructions for Instruments
Woodwind Instruments Instructions
Keep it …. SAFE!
- Store it in its case when not in use.
- Do not let other people use it.
- Do not lie the instrument down on the key work or stand clarinets up on the bell as they can fall over.
- Do not store your music in the instrument case unless it has a pocket as this can damage the instrument.
Keep it …. CLEAN!
- Always clean the inside of the instrument when you have finished playing to keep it dry before putting away in the case.
- Always remove the reed and dry it before putting the instrument away.
- Only use cleaning cloths designed for your instrument, as others household cleaners can cause damage.
- Do not share the instrument with other people.
Keep it …. WORKING!
Without regular use the instrument joints may stiffen and become difficult to put together. Play it regularly.
If the joints are stiff apply a little cork grease to the joints which have cork on. Never apply grease to flutes or areas of any instrument without cork.
Use a clean cloth to wipe the joints on flutes, both inside and out, to make it easier to put together.
**IMPORTANT FOR BASSOONISTS**
Tenon’s must be greased each time the instrument is assembled until such time the new cork has compressed & absorbed enough grease to assemble easily!
If in doubt, ask your teacher first !!!
String Instrument Instructions
Here are some basic dos & don’ts for looking after your hired string instrument.
Please remember your instrument is fragile and expensive.
Always:
- Put it out of harm’s way when not being played (away from brothers, sisters, pets!).
- Clean your strings and the body of your instrument with a duster after you have finished playing.
- Treat your instrument gently – don’t bang it, knock it, or wave it around in the air – otherwise it may suffer serious damage or go out of tune.
- Loosen the hairs on your bow before putting it away in your case. This makes sure that the bow does not go out of shape or snap.
- Makes sure that you apply rosin on your bow at least once a week.
- Try to only hold your instrument by its neck.
- Either hold the instrument in the rest position or put it gently into the case when not being played.
- Use a special string instrument polish when cleaning your instrument.
Never:
- Leave your instrument where it can get too hot or too cold. Big changes in temperature can damage the instrument.
- Lend your instrument to anyone unless you are really sure they know how to handle it.
- Touch the pegs unless you have been shown how to tune properly.
- Over tighten your strings – too much pressure can easily snap them.
- Try to repair your instrument yourself if it breaks.
If in doubt, ask your teacher first!
Brass Instrument Instructions
To ensure the brass instrument is kept in a working condition, it would be helpful for valve oil to be purchased. For trombone instruments, some slide grease will be necessary.
Use the instructions below to help keep your instrument working.
Daily:
Valves – ensure the valves are pressed on a daily basis even if the instrument is not being played.
Slides – carefully slide each slide to ensure is does not become seized.
Mouthpiece – never store the instrument with the mouthpiece still attached.
Weekly:
Carefully remove each valve and valve bottom caps, taking care to note the position of each valve. To avoid confusion, remove one valve at a time. Wipe each valve with a lint free cloth, apply a few drops of valve oil to the valve and reinsert the valve to the valve casing. Take care that the valve is aligned correctly. Remove each slide and wipe with a lint free cloth, apply a generous amount of slide grease to the slide and reinsert the slide
Twice Yearly:
After noting the position of each valve, valve caps and slides, remove and wash each component in a warm soapy water solution. Use a flexible cleaning brush to clean the tubing and slides and a valve cleaning brush for the valve casings. Rinse with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly.
Ensuring the tubing and component’s are dry, reassemble the instrument following the weekly instructions above.
Golden Rules:
- Keep it safe. Store in its case. Do not let other people use the instrument.
- Keep it clean. Follow the instructions above.
- Keep it working. Make sure the instrument is maintained regularly.
If in doubt, ask your teacher first!
