|
When
moisture problems are chronic with the octave notes, it is time to clean the
vents. Usually, the swab has
gradually pushed oil and
debris into the small
hole in the wood, next to the bore, under the metal vent. Adjustable vent
removers, or “spanner” wrenches, are available through many oboe suppliers, and
should be a part of any serious oboist’s tool kit. The vent has two small
holes, into which the prongs of the remover fit. When turning counterclockwise,
use quite a bit of downward pressure to keep the vent remover from slipping out
of the holes. Occasionally, the vent is corroded, requiring the skills of an
experienced professional for removal.
Once the
vent is removed, clean out the hole in the wood with a jeweler’s screwdriver or
pipe cleaner, but don’t leave lint behind. Make sure the vent itself is clean.
It can be soaked in mineral spirits or other solvent as necessary. When
reinstalling the vent, it should be sealed against leakage. Lorée vents come
with a small plastic gasket. You can also seal with wax. I wrap a thinly
rolled length of beeswax under the upper lip of the vent before turning it into
the wood. Excess wax will squeeze out the top, and is removed.
Unless the
vent goes back exactly to its original position, there is some chance of the
pad leaking. Many repairmen automatically replace the pad at this time. Not a
bad idea, especially if the seat is getting a bit deep, which can cause
sticking, especially with the 1st octave key.
|
