Woodwind instrument care

How should I care for my woodwind instrument?

Instruments made from wood should be handled with great care.  A new clarinet, oboe, or bassoon will need to be conditioned properly.  The wood on a new instrument will be exposed to moisture, vibrations, and temperature changes as you begin to play.  It is best if the instrument can get used to these changes gradually.  We would recommend playing only a little bit each day for the first few weeks and properly drying or swabbing the instrument after use.

Never expose your instrument to extreme temperatures.  As a general rule, if you feel uncomfortably warm or cold, your instrument does too.

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