User manual YAMAHA VFC-3

[. . . ] Pay close attention to where the instrument is placed. Never modify the instrument. Doing so will void the warranty and may result in irreparable damage. 17 Special Care for Wooden Instruments The body of the bassoon is made from maple so it is sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and humidity. Such changes can cause cracks in the body as well as distortion that can make assembly of the joints difficult. Please pay close attention to the environment in which the instrument is used and the manner in which the instrument is treated. During the winter season, wait until the instrument is warmed up before playing. Play for 20 to 30 minutes a day for the first two weeks (if, however, the instrument must be played for long periods of time, remove moisture from the instrument frequently). [. . . ] Whenever possible, use a cleaning swab to remove moisture and dirt from the instrument. This should be done during playing sessions as well. The bassoon is a very delicate instrument. Handling the instrument in any of the manners described below can result in damage. Never treat the instrument in such a manner. Playing or storing the instrument where it will be exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time. Playing or storing the instrument in places subject to moisture (rain, etc. ) or high humidity. Playing or storing the instrument close to a heat source such as a stove, heater, etc. Playing or storing the instrument in places where it will be directly exposed to cold air from an air conditioner, etc. To keep the instrument in optimum condition, please observe the following important points. After playing, use a cleaning swab to thoroughly remove moisture and dirt. When putting the instrument down for breaks, etc. , use a cleaning swab to remove moisture and dirt, then lean the instrument against a sturdy stand, etc. If you must lay the instrument down, make sure the keys are facing up and the instrument laid down on a stable surface. Never keep the instrument in places where it may be exposed to high temperatures or high humidity. 18 Nomenclature q w e r q w e r t y u t i o Bell Joint Whisper Key Bocal (Crook) Bass Joint Tenor (Wing) Joint Strap Ring Hand Rest Double (Boot) Joint Protector Cap y u i o * Due to improvements, specifications and/ or design may change without notice. Clean each of the parts. Take Care When Handling the Bassoon Don't let moisture accumulate in the wider of the double joint's tubes while playing the instrument. 23 Maintenance After Playing Follow the procedures given below and make sure moisture and dirt is thoroughly removed from the inside of the instrument after playing. Caring for the Instrument's Interior Tenor Joint Maintenance 1. As shown in the illustration below, block one end of the tenor joint and blow air through the other to blow out any moisture that may be in the tone holes. Double Joint Maintenance 1. Remove moisture collected in the U-Tube from the narrower side of the tube. * Please take note that placing the C# tone hole face down can cause moisture to accumulate. If moisture is present in the double joint's wider tube, remove the U-Tube and clean the tube thoroughly. Also, make sure to remove moisture from the Ab key hold if any is present there. 2. Run a cleaning swab (for the tenor joint) through the tenor joint's interior to remove moisture. 2. Remove the nuts holding the U-Tube in place, and carefully remove the U-Tube from the bassoon. * Take care not to damage with cork with the bolt. 4. Reattach the U-Tube making sure it is 5. Insert the weighted end of the cleanings swab into the black tube, and pull the swab through the opposite end to remove moisture. Tighten both nuts evenly to secure. 25 Maintenance Bass Joint and Bell Joint Maintenance A cleaning swab (for the double joint) should be run through these sections about every other month to remove dirt from the instrument's interior. 2. Apply a small amount of key oil between the key and key posts about once a month. Instrument Maintenance Use a polishing cloth once or twice a month to wipe the instrument's surface. * Wipe off any excess oil. 3. Use a tone hole cleaner to remove the dirt or dust that accumulates between the keys and body. Key and Pad Maintenance 1. Use a polishing cloth or silver cloth to wipe the key surfaces. 26 Maintenance 4. Use a cleaning swab to remove dirt and moisture from the pads. Pay Attention to the Following When Storing the Instrument Never place an object on the case that may apply pressure to the instrument's keys or body. Do not warm the instrument with air from, or put the instrument close to a heat source such as a heater, furnace vent, etc. * Use a cleaning swab to remove moisture from the Ab tone hole. 27 Troubleshooting The tone is not clear, or the instrument plays out of tune. If pads are deformed and air is leaking from the instrument, take the instrument to your dealer for repair. Never apply excessive pressure to the keys. [. . . ] Do not warm the instrument with air from, or put the instrument close to a heat source such as a heater, furnace vent, etc. * Use a cleaning swab to remove moisture from the Ab tone hole. 27 Troubleshooting The tone is not clear, or the instrument plays out of tune. If pads are deformed and air is leaking from the instrument, take the instrument to your dealer for repair. Never apply excessive pressure to the keys. Also, when placing the instrument in the case, make sure that nothing is placed on top of the instrument. The joint is too tight or loose. If the joint is tight, apply a small amount of cork grease to the joint cork. If the joint is still tight, apply some cork grease to the receiver side as well. Changes in temperature and/or humidity can cause the cork to shrink or expand which can make the joints tight in the summer and loose in the winter. After you are finished playing, make sure you store the instrument in its case, rather than leave it out. If the body cracks, take the instrument to your dealer for repair. Sudden changes in temperature or humidity can cause cracking. [. . . ]