Basic Oboe Care

This is my list of the basic oboe care you need to be doing to take care of your instrument and what should be taught to new oboe students

Swabbing

It may feel annoying, but it really is important to swab your oboe after every time you play. Once you get into the habit of it, you won’t even think about it anymore. It will improve the function of your oboe to keep it very clean and free of gunk so that there is less of a chance of water accumulating due to old residue clogging your keys.

Also keep in mind that having your swab ready to use during long rests or at intermissions may be necessary to avoid water build up and gurgling notes during long performances or practices as well!

Setting Down

My best advice for leaving your oboe unattended is to never do that. But, the second best way is to have an oboe stand and think carefully about placement so that it will not be knocked over. A stand is very useful during rehearsals as well so that you can shuffle pages and not have to balance your oboe on your lap.

Please don’t leave your oboe on a chair unattended. If you are really stubborn here, as least take the top joint off and lay it down in two pieces so that the instrument is not sticking off each side of the chair.

Never, EVER, balance your oboe on the bell. There are no excuses.

Holding

Even while your oboe is in your hands, just be mindful of what you are holding. Keep the instrument upright and close to your body and not down at your side parallel to the floor where anything could crash into it. If your reed is in the instrument, that is even more delicate (though at least a little less expensive…) so be careful of talking with your hands while holding your oboe!

Also, I like to be wary of using stairs with my instrument. Just a thought.

Adjustments

There are a couple adjustments that oboists should probably learn at some point if they are serious about their instrument, but if you are ever not sure or if you are a new oboist new to adjusting instruments, don’t take the risk and get your oboe worked on by a professional.

If you are not sure what I am even talking about, then what you need to know is DON’T turn any screws!!

Reed

The reed is an essential part of the oboe and needs to be switched out fairly frequently. Being careful of how you handle your reed may help lengthen its little life. Brushing your teeth before playing will keep your reed clean and prevent anything getting on it that will break down the cane faster than necessary. (This is also good for keeping the inside of your oboe clean!) Be sure to have a case that holds your reeds securely and allows for ventilation so that they can properly air out and not mold!