Oiling your (Historical!) Bassoon

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In case you want to use the Alternative Method, I recommend using this type of swab: hodgeproductsi...

[@K191]

Hi Andrew , thanks so much for posting this. I generally hate doing this job but your upbeat video is a huge help! I admit, I’d learnt that I should remove the cork in the boot joint ( I use a measuring stick to make sure I replace it to the correct depth) so I’ve always done that, but it does add to the hassle. I am fascinated that you don’t feel this is necessary. I am going to give it a try. I also use peanut oil but might try Johanna’s tip of Rapeseed oil . Thanks again. Ursula

[@burnbassoon]

Hi Ursula, if you really want to cheat death, just buy a silk swab and soak it in oil and pull it through the boot and the wing a few times. You’ll lose the swab but it will coat the inside quite well! I never trusted myself to take the cork out, especially now that it looks black when I shine a light down there!

[@zacharycoronado6749]

For however many virtues there are of almond oil, I’ve found that any small quantity of unabsorbed oil, or that which bleeds in high humidity, quickly degrades and causes the instrument to smell quite unpleasant.
In restoring antique instruments (flutes) I’ve found that borage seed oil (if it can be found) absorbs well and does not cause strong odor if applied when the oil is still fresh

[@guqin]

Any suggested alternatives if one is allergic to peanut oil?

[@burnbassoon]

I would suggest almond oil in that case.

[@johannabartz9430]

For traversi we sometimes use rapeseed oil as well since it has very similar qualities like almond or peanut oil, and the residue also won't harden as it does with linseed oil.

[@burnbassoon]

@@johannabartz9430 That's a pro tip

[@dariocaroli5179]

@@burnbassoon i mix some lavender essential oil with almond, it should be antiseptic, so they counselled me. at least, if you like lavender it will not smell

[@nitairiello1534]

Hello Andrew, great video! Just one question... Why not oiling the modern bassoon? I've seen many people here, modern Bassoonists oiling the instrument, perhaps it's necessary to make the application in a different way? What are the risks?

[@burnbassoon]

Hi Nitai, in my opinion, the oiling of a modern bassoon should be done by a professional. I think your question would be better answered in the Facebook IDRD group or in Bassoonists United. There are just so many pads, so many more keys which require a fine balance to operate properly on a modern bassoon you could risk doing something which a professional technician would have to fix for you anyway.

[@nitairiello1534]

@@burnbassoon ooh ok, I thought that you are saying something like "don't applicate oil on modern bassoon!" but it's more like "don't try that in home with a modern bassoon!" hahah

[@burnbassoon]

@@nitairiello1534 Exactly!

[@zacharycoronado6749]

I’ve never seen such a bore oiling technique! Then again, I’ve never seen someone oil a baroque bassoon.
Should any extra precaution be taken for baroque bassoons with a cork in the boot joint?

[@burnbassoon]

Sorry for the late reply, Zach. I don't think so...