Cleaning the oboe

Always clean out the oboe after practising, using either a silk pull-through or a pair of oboe cleaning mops. Avoid rotating the cleaning mops as they can come unscrewed from the wooden handle after a time.

If using a silk pull-through, drop the metal rod through from the bell and then pull it out of the top joint (i.e holding the oboe upside down). NB Ensure there are no knots in the pull-through, as these can cause it to get stuck inside, at which point it’s almost always impossible to remove without sending the instrument to a specialist repairer.

Instrument stand

It’s worth investing in an oboe stand (cheapest available at around £9) as a secure way of putting your oboe down for a short while in a practice or rehearsal session. Once you’ve finished playing it’s best to put the oboe away to avoid any risk of toddlers/pets (or anyone who isn’t looking!) knocking it over. It’s best to put the stand either on the floor or well away from the edge if on a raised surface, again to avoid any risk of it being knocked over.

Vertical rod screws

Check the screws on the vertical rods regularly to ensure they aren’t loose. A small flathead screwdriver (the size used for repairing glasses is ideal) can be used to tighten these if they work loose. Only ever adjust the screws on the vertical rods (i.e. running up/down the length of the oboe) as the other screws are carefully regulated by the manufacturer/repair specialist to ensure the keys operate successfully.

Water blockages

Water blockages: if cleaning out the oboe doesn’t clear a blockage in a key, first try holding the key open and blowing cross the hole quite firmly, as if you’re playing an accented note.

If that is unsuccessful then the best solution is to use woodwind papers (available from music shops) or cigarette papers (Rizla) to absorb the water. I quite understand that parents would be reluctant to allow their children to purchase cigarette papers from a tobacconist, (I must admit I always feel the need to explain to the tobacconist that I don’t smoke - although I’m sure they don’t care!) but these tend to be used by most woodwind players, as they work extremely well and are much cheaper than ‘woodwind papers’.

The key should be opened and then the paper placed across the hole underneath the key. Allow the paper to soak up some water and then move it to a clean section (avoiding the gummed section if using cigarette papers), until no water appears on the paper.

Temperature

Avoid leaving the oboe anywhere very hot (near a radiator) or very cold (especially not overnight in the boot of a car in winter!) as this can cause the wood to crack.

Soaking the reed

Always soak the reed in approximately 1cm cold/luke warm water for a couple of minutes before playing. NEVER leave the reed in water overnight as that will cause irreversible damage. If possible, allow the reed to dry out to some extent before putting it away (not always practical).

Cork grease

Use a small amount of cork grease or vaseline on the bottom half of the reed cork (i.e. the part which will go inside the oboe) and also on the cork joints of the oboe to avoid having to force the sections together. If the reed is still too difficult to pull out of the instrument easily try sanding the cork section down a small amount using an emery board. N.B. the reed should never be loose in the instrument.

When taking the reed out of the oboe it can sometimes help to use a piece of cloth or tissue to aid in gripping the cork (maybe your sleeve if it’s long enough). Only ever hold the cork when removing the reed - avoid gripping the cotton binding and NEVER hold the bamboo section of the reed when pulling on the reed. Twist and pull carefully (it can be helpful to think of twisting the oboe while keeping the reed still rather than vice versa).

Reed aperture

If you can’t get a sound out of the reed when you first try to play, check the following:

1. are the blades too close together (closer than 1mm)?

2. is the aperture blocked?

3. are the blades too far apart (wider than 1mm)?

You can use the wire on the reed to either open or close the reed slightly (ensure the reed is soaked in water first to avoid cracking). Squeeze gently on the edges to open the reed up more, or on the flat sides to close it. If the reed is blocked, blow through it from the cork end and then gently wipe away anything which comes out of the tip.

Reed boxes

Keep your reeds in a purpose designed oboe reed box (approx. £8+) if possible, but never in a plastic tube or box once you’ve started using the reed. If the reed is put away damp into a plastic container it will soon go mouldy and taste disgusting!