In Tune or Out of Whack – It's All in How You Assemble your Instrument

Articles on Musical Instruments | Topics: instruments, instrument

by Rei Beck

You want to play a musical instrument for what seems like eternity. You have been asking your parents for months. They keep telling you that they will think about it. You keep asking. The day has finally come and you have your very first musical instrument. You probably hold it, open the case and look at it, and touch it. Do you know how to put it together yet? If you do not you are probably looking at all those pieces and wondering how they all fit together. What will happen if you put it together incorrectly? How do you know if you put it together correctly? I am certain when you bought the instrument that sales person gave a demonstration but were you paying attention? It seemed simple when you were listening to them but now you are alone in your room admiring your new instrument, do you remember everything they said to you.

Flute Assembly: Do not put lubrication of any kind on the connections of the flute. If you are having difficulty, take your instrument to a repair shop. Be careful not to bend any keys, and in no way get the pads wet. After you play, always wipe the inside of the flute. If there is excess water in the flute, it could ruin the pads or mold the flute on the inside. Wipe down the flute with a clean soft cloth to take off any fingerprints. If you need to make modifications, take your flute to your band instructor first and then if you need to the repair shop. The adjustment on the end of the head-joint is for tuning. You will learn how to adjust your flute when the time is right – be patient. Do not alter the screw unless it is coming off.

Clarinet Assembly: If this is your first time assembling the clarinet make, sure you have lubricated each corked joint. The corks need to be kept moist to keep the instrument performing properly. In addition, when you keep the corks moist this will prevent damage. Begin with the bell and put together the clarinet up to the mouthpiece. Gently twist sections of the instrument together and never tap them into place. Be conscientious not to bend any of the keys. When connecting the middle joint, be cautious not to bend the bridge key that connects the two halves together. You should put a tiny amount of cork grease on the joints each time you put the clarinet together. Each time you play your clarinet, do not forget to wipe the inside of the instrument. If there is extra water in the instrument, it could destroy the pads and create mold on the inside. If you have a wooden clarinet, this is especially important. Excessive water will cause a wooden instrument to split. Use a mouthpiece brush to clean out the mouthpiece. Check your reed for cracks and mold. If you find mold you need a new reed. Do not attempt too adjust screws, pads, or springs by yourself take your clarinet to your band director first, and then if necessary, take it to a repair shop. You should only tighten a screw if it is coming loose.

Historical Quote

Whilst Marx turned the Hegelian dialectic outwards, making it an instrument with which he could interpret the facts of history and so arrive at an objective science which insists on the translation of theory into action, Kierkegaard, on the other hand, turned the same instruments inwards, for the examination of his own soul or psychology, arriving at a subjective philosophy which involved him in the deepest pessimism and despair of action.

—Sir Herbert Read (1893–1968)

Saxophone Assembly: If this is, the first time you are assembling your saxophone be sure the cork is appropriately lubricated before you try to set up the mouthpiece. Put a small amount of lubrication precisely on the cork and work in carefully with your fingers. Check the cork on a regular basis, lubricate as needed. Do not let pads get wet. Failure to keep pads free of dampness will encourage warping and then cause the instrument to leak air, which results in poor execution and high repair costs. Keep your saxophone clean and remember to not chew gum, eat, or drink before a practice or performance. Food particles and other foreign objects are difficult to remove resulting in an inferior performance and permanent harm to your instrument. Clean the mouthpiece frequently using warm water, mild soap and a mouthpiece cleaning brush. Clean your instrument after each session to remove moisture from inside the saxophone. Use only lacquer accepted cleaning cloths to remove smears and finger oils from the exterior of your instrument. Be careful not to bump or lean your saxophone against the rods/spring mechanisms. Doing so can cause them be move out of alignment.

Taking care of your instrument through proper assembly methods and regularly scheduled cleanings and/or repairs will guarantee a long life for your instrument and your love of creating music.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "In Tune or Out of Whack – It's All in How You Assemble your Instrument" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by MusicInstrumentsCds.com.

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