You can’t play a bassoon properly if it’s not working properly.
Occasionally, a visit to a repairman is necessary, but, generally, routine maintenance will keep things working fine.
So here is my suggested maintenance schedule:
Daily: use a pull-through; wipe the key-work with a soft duster.
Monthly: clean the crook; check for obvious leaks; dust under the keys; oil the keywork; check for sticky pads; check linkages etc. on keywork; check all screws are tight.
Annual: dust the bore; oil the bore; change any dodgy pads; clean the finger holes; check the laquer; polish the woodwork; polish the keywork and crook; increase air-tightness if possible; get all the bits of fluff out of your bassoon case.
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