Playing inWood is a natural material and it is important that it gradually gets used to the demands it has to live up to. (for instance: absorbing moisture, getting wet and dry alternatively) For the first two weeks do not play for more than ten minutes per day. Thereafter you can gradually extend the playing time. During the first two weeks do not play the highest notes of your recorder, as this makes the windway and labium very wet. If extended practice (more than an hour per day) is essential, seriously consider purchasing a second recorder.UseTo prevent that too much moisture from your breath condensates in the windway, it is important to warm the recorder gently before use -the head joint in particular. The recorder parts must be taken apart and put together with a rotary motion. If you first lightly lubricate the cork joints with grease this goes a lot easier. If the windway gets too wet and clogs you can suck the moisture or put one hand over the labium and blow sharply into the windway. Never put a finger on the labium as this may damage it quite easily and make the recorder lose its sound.After useIt is very important that the recorder should be carefully dried before it is returned to its case.OilingRecorders must be oiled regularly because oil prevents that moisture gets into the wood. This is true in particular for the non-impregnated recorders as there is an increased risk of splitting during use. However we advise to oil now and then the impregnated recorders too as this improves the sound. Use only the specially provided oil for these instruments. Do not oil the head joint further than under the labium as the oil must not touch the windway and plug. If oil touches the plug it will no longer absorb moisture and the instrument may clog. The bore of the middle and foot section can be oiled completely.To concludeAvoid big changes in temperature. Never store your recorder in direct sunlight, near room heaters, or on the hat-shelf in a car |
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Recorder specialist |