Yamaha clarinets, oboes, flutes, and piccolos which are made from African Grenadilla have been carefully aged and treated, then crafted into fine musical instruments. Grenadilla is one of the hardest, most dense and stable woods available and is ideal for manufacturing top quality woodwinds. It also gives the best sound, providing an optimum balance between tonal projection and warm colorful sound.


Yamaha combines the most innovative, modern machinery with traditional hand craftsmanship to make woodwinds of consistent high quality, beautiful tone and accurate intonation. The following are some maintenance tips we recommend to properly "break-in" and maintain Grenadilla instrument.



1.
When first playing a new instrument, replacement joint, or one that has been allowed to dry out for a long time, a gradual playing-in is the best approach. For example, play the instrument 5-10 minutes the first session, then swab it out including the tenons and sockets where end grain can absorb water more easily-then after it sits at least 4-6 hours (or the next day), play a few minutes longer, etc... adding 5 or so minutes to each session.

After this gradual playing-in period of a week to 10 days, playing for long periods of time will not cause a radical change in the wood's moisture level-and therefore is less likely to cause any problems. In dry conditions, a small humidifier placed in the accessories area of the case (available at music stores) can be beneficial.

NEVER keep a desiccator in the case-even if you live in a humid environment-as this can damage the moisture balance of the wood.
2. Avoid playing the instrument when it is very cold to the touch! It needs to warm up to the air temperature of the room or outdoor environment, gradually if possible, before warm air is blown through it! Holding the instrument under a jacket, or just opening the case 20-30 minutes in the room before playing can be helpful.

Avoid playing outdoors and in other extreme climatic conditions if at all possible. Many players keep extra plastic body instruments for use in situations which may be dangerous for Grenadilla body instruments.
 
3. Frequently removing moisture from the inside is an essential procedure and a "handkerchief-type" swab can often do a better job than other types. It is important that the swab is free of knots and is not overly tight when pulled through. Any attempt to force a tight swab through should be stopped before the bottom end of the swab disappears into the joint so that it can be carefully pulled out.

Swabs made of the same artificial material as eyeglass cleaners are recommended as some cotton or silk swabs produce lint which can eventually accumulate at the toneholes spoiling intonation and response. Also any lint trapped in the undercut can retain moisture which can increase the risk of cracking.

Also remember to remove moisture from the toneholes too, and never carelessly place your instrument with its toneholes facing downwards. To remove water from toneholes,
insert a sheet of thin cleaning paper under the pad, then blow the water out of the instrument. Never suck air in as this can cause residue moisture to collect inside the
undercut.


  
4.
Generally, the treated wood of a new Yamaha instrument or joint doesn't need further treating, but if the bore (interior surface) gets a very dull, dry look, careful application of bore oil can help seal the wood to prevent excessive moisture absorption-another potential cause of cracking.

An overly dry bore with many open-grain surfaces can actually change tone and intonation characteristics of your instrument. A conservative approach to oiling is recommended-both in the amount of oil applied, and the frequency. Excessive oil can gum-up pads and affect tone. Apply only a few drops of a good quality oil, like Yamaha Bore Oil on a soft stick-type swab, a handkerchief swab, or a turkey feather (used only for this purpose) and draw it through the joint, repeating the process until the bore has a uniform sheen but is not overly wet. Open any closed keys and blow a focused air stream into all tone holes to blow out any excess lint. This treatment can be done a couple of times in a six month period, and then once or twice a year if needed.

If you have a technician available, have the keys disassembled and apply oil with cotton buds to the tone hole chimney too. The Grenadilla's end grain, where moisture absorption occurs the most, is exposed at the sides of the toneholes. Sealing this area should effectively prevent local swelling and reduce risk of cracking. The undercut portion should be cleaned as well, but again, care should be taken to wipe off excessive oil to avoid sticking pads.
5.
The above steps will help you provide proper maintenance for your wooden instrument and help prevent surface cracking. In the unlikely event that a crack develops, it is not as catastrophic as you might first think. When properly repaired, you will notice very little or even no difference from the former plying characteristics. Actually, many artists and teachers play on such instruments, and some even feel their instrument plays freer and more comfortably after the strain in the wood has been released. Fine wood instruments should be treated with respect, but also played and enjoyed for their warm tonal characteristics.

In addition to owner care, proper maintenance involves regular visits to a reputable woodwind technician-much like what is involved in maintaining a car. This can be several times a year for some students and frequent players, or as little as once every few years. Worn pads should be replaced with quality pads as needed, to ensure a good seal. Key openings and adjustments (key regulation) need to be checked/adjusted periodically. When properly cared for, your Yamaha Grenadilla instrument will provide years of trouble free musical enjoyment.