How to Clean an English Horn

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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English horns need to be handled with care.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Allow a qualified professional, double-reed repair technician to dismantle posts and keys. The untrained amateur should definitely avoid this procedure.
Step 2

Establish a habit of wiping any moisture from the keys or wood externally.
Step 3

Use a pull-through swab to dry the interior of the instrument after every rehearsal or performance.
Step 4

If the keypads retain heavy moisture, double a paper towel, place under each pad, and close the pad to gain maximum absorption.
Step 5

Do this for each pad that needs it. Pads nearer the reed are exposed to greater moisture.
Step 6

Maintain an even temperature and humidity in the storage location by using a humidistat.

Tips & Warnings

Check the Related Sites for additional tips. The Mark Chudnow site has a good tips page for the bassoon. Many of these tips will apply to the English horn.
Placing a group of three to five treated feathers in the bell of the instrument is a technique that some musicians have used to protect the delicate wood of an English horn during storage in the case.
Loree is a French company that specializes in double-reed instrument manufacture, supply and repair.
When polishing keys, use the polish cloth with care. Avoid bending delicate keys.