Care of a Wood Instrument

Caring for your Wood Instrument

There are three common timbers traditionally used in the making of quality woodwind instruments. These are Cuban Cocuswood, Ceylon or Gaboon Ebony and of course the most common and resilient timber being, Dalbergia melanoxylon (also known as Mpingo, African Blackwood or sometimes Granadilla). There are other varieties of these timbers and more timbers also used, but these are the most common.

Ebony needs special care and attention, especially in hotter/drier climates, it has a tendancy to develop surface cracks. Cocus is a little more resilient and Blackwood is the hardiest of all instrument timbers with a high oil content. As a natural product there are often flaws and defects in the timber.

Steps have to be taken to keep the wooden components of your instrument in good condition to keep your instrument sounding at its best and to help resist cracking.

Care of exterior surfaces

If the exterior of the wooden surfaces is varnished ensure that it is maintained in good condition. If a waxed or oiled finish, ensure that it is re-waxed every few years. This will prevent moisture loss from the exterior surfaces. This can be done by hand with a good instrument wax like The Makers Choice Exterior Wax, or can be refinished by an instrument maker on a lathe.

Care of internal bores

It is important to clear any moisture from the internal bores of your instrument after playing. Excess moisture is absorbed into the wood causing swelling. This can create an imbalance between the external and internal surfaces and cracks can appear. It can also cause warping and narrowing of bores. This can detract from the instrument's performance and tonal quality.

Proper oiling with a good quality product can prevent some absorption of moisture. It can also replace moisture that has been lost. Instruments can be oiled two or three times a year depending on the climate in which you live.

Oiling the bores is like cleaning the instrument with oil. Just use a thin smear of oil and then clean with a dry cotton cloth. Only leave a thin smear of oil in the bores for perhaps an hour or so if the wood appears stressed. You can determine the extent of stress to the wood by the colour; it will look lighter and appear drier if stressed. Normal blackwood will appear shiny on the surface and will be almost black. A new instrument will be brownish in colour, but the wood soon darkens. If wood has been exposed to too much moisture the grain can appear raised. If the wood looks stressed after oiling, the process can be repeated.

The frequency and timing of oiling will vary depending on climate and playing frequency.

Many instrument makers recommend against oiling a new instrument for the first 12 months to prevent causing wood fibres to lift and the bores to become rough. Some makers however will oil a newly turned instrument.

Appropriate oil would be a natural plant based oil. Some oils can go rancid. Some mineral oils will not be readily absorbed and can clog pores and form a build up inside the bores. Some bore oils sold as instrument oils are petroleum based and others are little better than baby oil. The Makers Choice Bore Oil is a proprietary blend of plant derived oils and natural antioxidants – it penetrates deeply and will leave a beautiful satin finish and will not go rancid.

Do not immerse your instrument in oil

The aim of good maintenance of wood is to maintain a constant balance of moisture. Totally immersing an instrument can cause significant damage. I have often seen instruments crack shortly after immersion. This is because of the sudden changes in moisture content. The amount of oil needed for immersion also means a cheap product is used that can clog the grain and foul the bores or go rancid.

Instrument Storage

Your instrument should be dried after playing and kept in a closed case. It should not be left out for the wood to dry and lose moisture to the environment. Always keep your case closed and in a cool place if in a hot climate or a place where it will not freeze if in a cold climate. Do not keep in a damp room.

Do not keep an instrument near artificial heating or air-conditioning. Some common sense must apply. Do not leave your instrument to roast in the boot of a hot car. Fresh orange peelings can be placed in the case during extremely dry conditions to help maintain the moisture level of the wood or even better a humidifier and hygrometer. An instrument kept in a case with a humidifier will have less chance of cracking and warping and will be a lot more stable tonally.

Remember: One of the best ways to maintain an instrument is to play it regularly and treat it with respect. The aim is to maintain a constant moisture level in the wood and not subject it to extremes of climate or temperature.