Troubleshooting, Joint cork may be worn

Troubleshooting

The tone is not clear or the instrument plays out of tune.

◆If pads are deformed or the body is crack- ing, take the instrument to your dealer for repair.

→Never apply excessive force to the keys. When you ﬁnish playing the instrument, wipe any moisture or dirt from the pads.

→Drastic changes in temperature or humidity can cause cracking. Do not expose the instrument to hot air (i.e., as from a heater) or cold air (i.e., as from an air-conditioner). Never try to warm up the inside of the instrument’s body using your breath.

The keys are stiff. The keys do not move.

◆A spring may have been dislodged or the keys may be deformed.

→If a spring has been dislodged, returning it to its proper position will correct the problem. Be careful not to bend the spring.

Note that a spring might have been caught by a cleaning cloth and dislodged when you wiped down the instrument.

→If keys are deformed, take the instru- ment to your dealer for repair. Do not apply excessive force to the instrument during assembly. Do not drop the instrument. Do not set something on the instrument and then close the case. Do not apply excessive oil during mainte- nance.

Cannot assemble because the joints are too tight or too loose.

◆The joint cork may have shrunk or expanded due to changes in temperature or humidity.

→If the joint is tight, apply a small amount of cork grease to the joint cork. If the joint is still tight, apply cork grease to the receiver side as well. When you ﬁnish playing, store the instrument in its case; do not leave it setting out.

◆The joint cork may be worn.

→Proper application of cork grease offers some protection against wear. However, no one can completely prevent cork wear over time. Take the instrument to your dealer for repair.

The keys are noisy.

◆The keys may lack oil or the screws may be loose.

→Apply key oil once or twice a month (1-2 drops per location) to prevent abrasion. Also, since woodwind instruments are built using many small screws, fre- quently check for loose screws and tighten them if necessary.

◆The cork or felt on the keys is worn or has fallen off. Or, the keys may have come in contact with the body or other keys.

→Take proper care of the instrument to prevent the cork or felt from falling off. After you play the instrument, store it in its case. Also, handle the instrument carefully; avoid bumping or otherwise exposing the instrument to physical trauma.