01/07/2023
Podcast über das Ölen von Blockflöten
Episode 22 of the Blockfloetenpodcast.eu is all about oiling recorders.
Basic topics such as "Why oil", "What to oil with" and "How often to oil" are discussed.
This episode is the basis for understanding this important recorder care topic. Episode 23, "How to oil a recorder", builds on it.
Kort version: Wooden instruments must be oiled regularly in order to protect them from the moisture produced when playing. This preserves the full beauty of the sound and response.
Otherwise the wood will leach out, the surfaces in the area of the inner bore will become rough, and dimensional changes in the body and even cracks could occur during swelling and drying.
The frequency of oiling depends on the type of wood and the use of your instrument, as the impregnation applied by the manufacturer wears off in the area of the wooden surfaces due to the moisture condensing in the instrument. As a rule, oiling should be carried out two to three times a year.
Observe your instrument: If the wood begins to turn dull and grey in the inner bore, it needs oil. If, on the other hand, it has a slightly oily lustre, then it is still in good condition.
Linseed oil is the traditional woodwind oil. It hardens to form a smooth, fine film that protects your recorder particularly well against moisture and does not wash out as quickly as the thinner almond oil, for example.
Important note: Cloths soaked in linseed oil can catch fire! Therefore, leave the cloths you have used for oiling spread out to dry in the air or store them in a closed jar. Only when the oil has hardened can you dispose of the cloths in the household waste.
Caution: The block and windway must not come into contact with oil! The purpose of the oil is to protect the instrument from drying out. However, if the oil gets into the windway or the block, this can lead to changes in the sound and hoarseness, which can impair the response.