FLUTES
Make sure that you have a white handkerchief or thin bandana to clean out the instrument. Use only cleaning rods to put the cloth through the instrument.
CLARINETS
Apply cork grease as needed so that the joints go together smoothly but not loosely. Cork grease will build up where the joints come together. You should occasionally clean the joints with a cloth to remove the excess build up of cork grease.
Always swab the inside of your instrument out after playing. This will insure the pads lasting a long time. Be careful of the tube on the inside of the upper joint. If your swab gets stuck do not force it. Bring it in for Mr. Westlake to take a look at. Always remember to open up the swab completely before using this will prevent the swab getting stuck.
ALTO SAXOPHONES
At this time swabbing the inside of the instrument is not really needed unless a large amount of condensation forms on the inside of the instrument. If you desire to clean out the mouthpiece and neck, then please purchase a clarinet swab. The swabs supplied are to large for the small openings of the neck and mouthpiece.
REEDS – Clarinet and Alto Saxophone
This is an area that I could spend hours talking about. To sum it all up, you need to be careful with the handling of the reed. Dry reeds crack, split and get broken more often than wet ones. It should be the first thing that is taken out of the case, put in your mouth and then it is the last piece added to the instrument. When you are done it should be the first item off the instrument and stored correctly. DO NOT LEAVE IT ON THE MOUTHPIECE.
All instruments are supplied with two reeds. They do not last forever. You should always have a supply of reeds available. Do not get anything less than a #2 size reed. Weaker sizes do not last as long, break down quicker, and become more difficult to use with age causing embouchure problems. Reeds are available through many of the music stores or can be ordered.