Care & Maintenance
Bassoon

Regular maintenance is important, a little time and effort will certainly pay off and should avoid problems which could result in a costly repair bill. However, beware of attempting any repair, however small, yourself. If in doubt, consult a qualified instrument repairer for advice.

♪ Always take care when putting the instrument together. Take tenor and butt joint, gently placing tenor joint into correct hole. Next, take long joint, and push into position, ensuring that it is in line correctly - secure the two joints with the locking pin. When putting on the bell-joint, hold Bb key down as you push it into place. When putting the crook on, hold carefully at the bend and gently push and twist into place, so that the thumb key/whisper key covers the tiny hole in the crook. Take the instrument apart in reverse order.

♪ After playing, remove the reed and blow through the rounded end to clear away excess water. Carefully put into your reed case. To clear water from the crook, blow down the corked end several times. Clean the inside of the tenor joint with either the correct cleaning mop or a pull-through. Clean the inside of the butt-joint with a pull-through. Repeat two or three times. If this is not done after each time the instrument is played the pads will start to rot and require replacing

♪ Cork joints need a regular application of cork grease. A new cork joint will require greasing for the first few uses - thereafter at least twice a month or more if the joints seem tight. Don't apply too much in one application - always wipe away the excess with a cloth and avoid getting it over the rest of the instrument, especially on the pads.

♪ Use a soft, lint free cloth after playing to reduce the effect of dust on the mechanism and acids and oils from the hands on the plating. On silver plated keys you can use a silver cleaning cloth that is impregnated with both a silver polish and an anti-tarnish agent. Care should be taken to avoid damaging the mechanism and catching the springs.

♪ NEVER put your instrument in water! Doing so would result in costly repair.

♪ Eating and drinking sweets and sugary drinks should be avoided immediately before playing as particles will be blown into the instrument and will make it smell after a time. Certain foodstuffs will also cause corrosion inside the instrument. Sweet and sugary items tend to make the pads sticky which will then require cleaning or even replacing.

♪ Do not keep music or anything else in the case unless there is a separate compartment specifically for this as there is a risk of bending keywork when the case is being closed.

♪ Try to keep your instrument in an atmosphere of even temperature and humidity and never in direct sunlight or near sources of heat, even when in its case.

♪ Remember that the adjustment of the key mechanism and changing of pads is a very skilled job and should only be taken on by a qualified repairer. Try to have your instrument checked over by a repairer at least once a year, to ensure that any little problems are sorted out before they get worse.

Buying Guide

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Terminology Explained

Mauris nonummy augue luctus mauris. In in orci. Vivamus vel enim. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Cras ultricies eros in urna. Proin erat diam, luctus in, facilisis vel, ullamcorper in, eros. Nullam.