- Learn proper cleaning and maintenance procedures
- Understand how to prevent and address common issues
- Develop good habits for instrument longevity
- Know when to seek professional repair
Introduction
A well-maintained recorder plays better, lasts longer, and stays in tune! Proper care is simple but essential. Let's develop habits that will keep your recorder in excellent condition for years.
Daily Care Routine
After Every Playing Session
- Swab the bore: Use cleaning rod with cloth
- Gently twist and pull through: Remove moisture
- Dry the windway: Use feather or special windway cleaner
- Wipe exterior: Remove fingerprints and moisture
- Store in case: Protect from damage and dust
Tools You Need
- Cleaning rod (usually included with recorder)
- Soft, lint-free cloth or swab
- Feather or windway brush
- Mild soap (for periodic washing)
- Cork grease (if wooden recorder)
Condensation: The Enemy
When warm breath meets cool recorder, condensation forms in the windway. This causes:
- Gurgling sounds
- Notes that won't speak
- Squeaks and pitch problems
Preventing Condensation
- Warm up the recorder: Hold in hands or blow gently without playing
- Take breaks: Let recorder "rest" and dry
- Suck moisture out: Cover labium with lips, suck gently (weird but effective!)
- Use anti-condensation products: Some players use special treatments
Wooden Recorders: Special Care
Breaking In New Wooden Recorders
- First week: 5-10 minutes daily
- Second week: 10-15 minutes daily
- Third week: 15-20 minutes daily
- Gradual increase: Full playing time by 4-6 weeks
- Never rush! Wood needs time to adjust to moisture
Oiling Wooden Recorders
- Frequency: 2-4 times per year (or per manufacturer instructions)
- Oil type: Almond oil, special bore oil (never olive oil!)
- Method: Disassemble, apply thin coat, let soak 24 hours, wipe excess
- Purpose: Prevents cracking, maintains wood health
Cork Joints
- Apply cork grease regularly (every few weeks)
- Joints should fit snugly but not require force
- If too tight: more grease, or professional adjustment
- If too loose: may need new cork (professional repair)
Plastic Recorders: Care Tips
- Dishwasher safe: Most plastic recorders (check manufacturer)
- Alternative: Wash with mild soap and warm water
- Dry thoroughly: Before storing
- No oiling needed: Plastic doesn't require oil
- Durable: More forgiving than wooden, but still need care!
Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Gurgling, clogged sound | Condensation in windway | Suck out moisture, dry windway, warm recorder |
| Crack in wooden recorder | Temperature shock, over-playing when new, dryness | Professional repair (can sometimes be pinned) |
| Joints too tight | Cork swelling, insufficient grease | Apply more cork grease, don't force |
| Some notes don't speak | Dirty tone holes, condensation, damage | Clean holes carefully, check for obstructions |
| Overall pitch flat or sharp | Temperature, tuning issue | Warm/cool recorder to room temp; may need professional adjustment |
Storage Best Practices
- Always use case: Protects from damage
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Don't leave in car!
- Store in stable environment: Not too hot, cold, humid, or dry
- Disassemble wooden recorders: For long-term storage
- Vertical or horizontal: Either is fine if properly stored
When to Seek Professional Help
- Cracks in wooden recorder
- Broken pieces or damaged parts
- Persistent tuning problems
- Cork joint issues you can't resolve
- Windway problems (requires special tools)
Find a tech: Specialized recorder repair technicians, or woodwind repair shops.
Upgrading Your Instrument
As you progress, you may consider a better recorder:
- Student plastic: $20-100 (Yamaha, Aulos)
- Quality plastic: $100-300 (Yamaha 300 series)
- Entry wooden: $300-800 (Mollenhauer, Moeck student models)
- Professional: $800-3000+ (handmade by master makers)
A quality instrument makes playing easier and more enjoyable!
Temperature Shock Warning: Never subject wooden recorders to sudden temperature changes! Don't play cold recorder immediately—warm gradually. Don't leave in hot car or near heaters. Wood can crack from thermal shock!
Mastery goal: Develop daily cleaning routine (swab bore, dry windway, store properly). Understand condensation management. Know proper care for wooden vs. plastic recorders. Prevent common problems through good habits. Recognize when professional repair is needed. Appreciate that proper care extends instrument life and improves playing quality!
Next: Lesson 40 - Lower Intermediate Review and Assessment