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Breathing: Low amounts, but high pressure air. To get rid of all the stale air, either breathe out at the end of a phrase, then wait til the end of the next phrase to breathe in. Or, at the breathing point, do a rapid breathe-out, breathe-in.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Embouchure: To direct airflow into a tiny but forceful stream, very little of the lips should show around the double reed.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Double reed: This is the key to getting the sound-waves vibrating evenly, so should be good quality. Learning to make your own can save on cost of buying every few months.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Choosing a reed: A soft or medium-soft reed is best for beginners. All reeds are different, and can be pitched flat or sharp, bright or dull, resistant to vibration or flexible.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Maintenance: Things that need adjusting and replacing: key pads to seal off holes, screws, cork tenons. Use a narrow pointed slip of cigarette paper to test the firm seal of the key pads. If not held-in tightly, the pads or related arm screws need replacing or adjusting.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Fingering: there are two alternatives each for F and D#. Keyed F goes well with E, forked F goes well with D and flat keys.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Buying: always try first. An expert's help should be sought by beginners.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Soak reed in water before playing. When finished, blow gently from the staple (cork end) to blow out saliva.
kellyjones00 (593)
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After playing: Always dry out the bore, especially if the oboe is wooden, or it may lead to cracks, rust, and mould.
kellyjones00 (593)
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Tenons: These are the cork pads that firmly wedge the joints together. If worn or shrunk, a temporary fix is to apply a small amount of steam to swell the cork.
kellyjones00 (593)
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