Oboe Assembly, Care and Maintenance

Assembly

Before you open your case, be sure that it is right side up. Be sure to hold the body of the oboe where there are no keys and gently twist the parts together. If there is any difficulty, apply cork grease to the corks. When joining the upper and lower joints together, hold down the keys on the upper joint. Be sure the bridge key on the upper joint is raised and the lower joint bridge key is underneath, so they are positioned correctly. Be careful not to bend the keys. The lower bridge key is inserted under the raised bell key. Insert the reed and you’re ready to play!

After Playing

Be sure to swab the inside of your oboe every time you finish playing with a lint-free cloth swab. Be sure it is an oboe swab, so it won’t get stuck in the upper joint. Be sure to swab out each section of the oboe. Use a cloth, preferably muslin, to wipe off moisture and finger marks. Push-through swabs are available- they are designed to leave inside the oboe, after swabbing with a drop-through swab.

Always keep your oboe in the case when you are not playing it. Never put anything in your case that it was not designed to hold. The pressure from music or papers in your case can bend the keys and rods. Vacuum your case when necessary.

The Reed

Blow moisture out of the reed and put it in a reed case so that it can dry out. If you are using a sealed plastic case, poke a hole in it to allow air to circulate.

Regular Maintenance

Do not polish the keys on your oboe, as this can ruin the pads and body of the instrument. Instead, use a cloth, preferably muslin, to wipe off moisture and finger marks. Do not adjust the screws on your oboe- only your teacher or a repairperson will know how to use them correctly.

Under each key is a pad that seals the tone hole when the key closes. If pads start to stick, it means they are dirty. To clean the pads, place a piece of absorbent paper, such as lens paper, under the pad, close the key, and pull the paper through. To keep pads clean, don’t eat candy or chew gum before or while playing! Rinse your mouth if you’ve been eating anything sweet.

Supplies Needed to Care for the Oboe

1. Lint-free cloth swab/drop-though swab, or push-through swab

2. Clean cloth, preferably muslin (to clean keys and body of instrument)

3. Absorbent paper, such as lens paper

4. Cork grease

Handling the Oboe

Don’t let anyone but your teacher handle or play your instrument. If you need to set it down during rehearsal or practice, put it on a stable, flat surface with the keys up. Never leave your oboe on a music stand.

Identification

Be sure your instrument has a tag identifying that it belongs to you. Also, have a record of the serial number of your instrument for insurance purposes.