Frequently Asked Questions

This page is designed to answer queries that are frequently made and are not specifically covered elsewhere in the website. Please fill in the form below if you have questions you would like us to answer either by e-mail to you personally; or by a more permanent answer on this page.

You will also find most of your questions answered in Oboe Tips and Techniques which can be ordered by clicking on its link above.

• How do I care for my oboe?
• What maintenance does my oboe need?
• Do my reeds need any attention?
• What sort of music can I play on my Oboe?
• Should I practise my oboe sitting down or standing up?

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Q How do I care for my oboe?

A. Your oboe is a fragile and complicated instrument. When not being played pack it safely into its case. Protect the wood by trying not to leave it near central heating radiators or subject it to changes in temperature.  If you need to lay it down, only ever rest it on the lefthand Bflat key so any condensation water will run away from the pads covering the holes on the right hand side. Never leave it on a stand as it can fall over, crack the wood and ruin the instrument.

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Q What maintenance does my oboe need?

After playing, mop up any surplus moisture in each joint as you take it to pieces. Some players prefer mops, others prefer pull throughs. For fifty years I have only ever used pheasant tail feathers. I have never had any problems with wet pads so I prefer a gentle feather. If you use a mop, be very gentle as the bore inside can easily be damaged by scratching and this will effect the playing of the instrument.

The top joint is very, very narrow where the staple goes in and this is where the feather wins over the mop!  Leaving your case open at home on a table top also gives the instrument time to dry if  put safely out of harm's way.
After playing wiping the keywork very gently with a chamois leather will keep it shiny and clear of stickiness from your fingers.

An annual dose of light sewing machine oil, or similar, on the moving parts is a good idea, but ask a professional to show you how, as oil under the pads would be fatal. The oil is best placed on the parts with a soft feather tip.

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Q Do my reeds need any attention?

Just soak the tip in tap water (a photo film cannister is ideal) before playing. Make sure the water does not reach the goldbeater's skin which is wrapped around the base of the cane to seal the joint.  After you have used a reed for some time it does get bunged up inside.  An old reed can often be re-juvenated by holding it over a glass of water and very gently cleaned inside using a soft feather tip.  I suggest you experiment with a very old reed first to get used to this exercise. You will be surprised how much residue you can scrape out!

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What sort of music can I play on my Oboe?

Anything you like. Oboists perform in everything from solos at home to rock bands. It is a very versatile instrument and can add fantastic colour to any group of musicians whatever style they are using.

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Should I practise my oboe sitting down or standing up?

It is a good idea to practise as much as possible standing up as this encourages you to free up the muscles around your diaphram which are so important for proper breath control.. Be sure you hold the bell of the instrument up so the reed sits with an even pressure from both the top and bottom lip. If you are playing out of tune, it is quite possibly because you are letting the bell drop and the pressure is then incorrect.

When you play sitting down, please sit firmly on your chair-not lounging back or leaning forward. Never Ever cross your legs. You can not breath properly or hold the instrument correctly if you do.

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If you have more questions please fill in your e-mail details below and write the question in the box provided. We will reply as quickly as we can.  

If you prefer, you can send an email to Deidre Gordon by clicking HERE

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