What To Look For When Buying A Used Single Or Double Reed Instrument
Posted by Kay Stanford Jr Kastum at 10:11 PMIt is not uncommon for most beginning players to look at buying a second hand instrument. If you are looking at buying a used single or double reed instrument you need to know what to look for. If you have a little knowledge when you start your search it can increase your chances of getting a great deal instead of a dud that you will never end up playing.
If you have taken a close look at a saxophone or clarinet, you have likely seen what appears to be a piece of bamboo or wood clamped onto the mouthpiece. That is a single reed. Other instruments such as the oboe, bassoon and English horn have different mouthpieces that look like a single piece of wood that has been folded in half with a space in between. That is also the reed. When the player clamps the end with their lips and blows through, the wind causes the mouthpiece to vibrate.
Many people are surprised by the wide variety of woodwinds that use reeds to create sound. The best known are the clarinet and saxophone. Others such as the oboe, English horn and bassoon are less well known but are still fun and challenging to play. There is quite a difference in the sounds that woodwind instruments make and part of this depends on the kind of reed that the instrument uses.
Moisture can be a huge problem for woodwinds of all kinds. It is normal for it to build up as our breath usually contains quite a bit of moisture in it. You should make a point of wiping out your woodwind each time you practice or perform. This will make sure that it is not getting damaged when it sits in the case between uses.
Most woodwinds can be disassembled in order to put them in a case. The areas where the sections join together often have a layer of cork so that the sections fit together tightly. You will want to check on this cork periodically to make sure it is in good condition. If you need to lubricate or condition the cork there are waxes and other products that you can purchase for this purpose.
It can be a good idea to physically inspect a potential purchase rather than simply looking at pictures. If you do, look at the keys that connect to metal pads. Make sure that any felt that is under the pads is in good shape and that the pads will move when the keys are pressed. If they don't, it may mean that you will need to repair the instrument before using it and this can be quite expensive.
You should look at the outside of the instrument to make sure that it is in good condition. If it has been neglected you may find that the finish shows permanent marks that cannot be cleaned off or polished away. If the wood looks cracked or the metal looks pitted it may mean that you should avoid buying it altogether. Repairing it to make it playable may be quite expensive.
There are many places where you can purchase supplies such as reeds, cleaning products and other items that are needed to look after your instrument properly. Building a good relationship with the staff at these stores can be a good idea as you may need their services if your instrument ever needs repairs or more intensive TLC. If you know other players, you may want to ask them where they go to purchase supplies and have their instruments tuned up.
If you have taken a close look at a saxophone or clarinet, you have likely seen what appears to be a piece of bamboo or wood clamped onto the mouthpiece. That is a single reed. Other instruments such as the oboe, bassoon and English horn have different mouthpieces that look like a single piece of wood that has been folded in half with a space in between. That is also the reed. When the player clamps the end with their lips and blows through, the wind causes the mouthpiece to vibrate.
Many people are surprised by the wide variety of woodwinds that use reeds to create sound. The best known are the clarinet and saxophone. Others such as the oboe, English horn and bassoon are less well known but are still fun and challenging to play. There is quite a difference in the sounds that woodwind instruments make and part of this depends on the kind of reed that the instrument uses.
Moisture can be a huge problem for woodwinds of all kinds. It is normal for it to build up as our breath usually contains quite a bit of moisture in it. You should make a point of wiping out your woodwind each time you practice or perform. This will make sure that it is not getting damaged when it sits in the case between uses.
Most woodwinds can be disassembled in order to put them in a case. The areas where the sections join together often have a layer of cork so that the sections fit together tightly. You will want to check on this cork periodically to make sure it is in good condition. If you need to lubricate or condition the cork there are waxes and other products that you can purchase for this purpose.
It can be a good idea to physically inspect a potential purchase rather than simply looking at pictures. If you do, look at the keys that connect to metal pads. Make sure that any felt that is under the pads is in good shape and that the pads will move when the keys are pressed. If they don't, it may mean that you will need to repair the instrument before using it and this can be quite expensive.
You should look at the outside of the instrument to make sure that it is in good condition. If it has been neglected you may find that the finish shows permanent marks that cannot be cleaned off or polished away. If the wood looks cracked or the metal looks pitted it may mean that you should avoid buying it altogether. Repairing it to make it playable may be quite expensive.
There are many places where you can purchase supplies such as reeds, cleaning products and other items that are needed to look after your instrument properly. Building a good relationship with the staff at these stores can be a good idea as you may need their services if your instrument ever needs repairs or more intensive TLC. If you know other players, you may want to ask them where they go to purchase supplies and have their instruments tuned up.
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