Maintenance

What advice would you give to break in a new instrument?

Answer: In the beginning, play the instrument for no more than 10-15 minutes at a time. Swab it, return it to its case and keep the lid closed. A few hours later or the next day, you may repeat this procedure. Each week you may add five or ten minutes playing time. After about three months, you should be able to play it as you wish.

How can I reduce the risk of cracking due to temperature variations?

Answer: On chilly days (or in cold rooms) always warm the instrument before beginning to play on it. This may be done by holding it against your body for a few minutes, or cradling at least the top joint in your hands. If the oboe was left in an unheated area on a cold day, you must not play it until it has had a chance to warm gradually.

Avoid laying down the instrument on a cold or very warm surface or next to a heat source so that it is not exposed to rough variation of temperature. If your instrument is kept in a dry climate, or even during prolonged periods of dry weather, the best is to put a humidifier in the case to maintain higher moisture.

Should I use oil for the wood?

Answer: During the break in period, we recommend you to oil regularly the bore of your new instrument (about once a week).

Be sure, first, that the bore is well dried and cleared of moisture. Then put a few drops of “F.Lorée” natural bore oil preferably on a feather or a swab and apply a light coat of oil gently inside the instrument.

After a few months, you can progressively reduce the oiling of your instrument.