Don’t let moisture “slow you down”

Good luck with the start of a new marching season!

Here are a few tips for keeping your flute up and running for another season.

O.K. here we go. Oiling your flute

Apply oil sparingly to the flute is a simple process, here is what you need:

Everything you need to oil your flute

• Key oil from a manufacturer. Some flutes have oil’s that will not mix with other lubricants. Check the manufacturers web site. For my flutes, I use synthetic motor oil.
• A clarinet reed cut in half along the length . Use a sturdy pair of scissors, toe nail clippers..yuk! or wire cutter’s
• A small supply of cotton swab’s
• Small cup for the oil. You will be dipping tip of  the reed in the oil.

Method

Place your flute is on a table with a towel underneath.

Locate all of the key posts, they are the little “balls” that are  attached to the body (rib).

Apply oil @ the posts

Take a piece of your broken reed and dip the very tip of the reed in your oil. Try this a few times to get the “feel” for how much oil

will “stick” to the reed.  To much oil will attract dirt and “fuzzers”

Applying the oil

Take the reed loaded with the oil and ever so gently touch the space between the post and the key or hinge rod. The oil will transfer to the empty space.

Applying oil with the reed

If your flute mechanism, “sucks” back the oil add a bit more; start pressing the key like a “trill” this will allow the oil to enter the hinge tube.

Have a cotton swab ready to absorb any extra oil that does not find a home.

Be proactive

The advantage to having your flute oiled before you go out into the humid weather or even worse the rain; is that  the oil is occupying the empty spots in your mechanism, the water will have a  difficult time entering – remember water and oil DON’T mix.

Good luck with your marching season and look for my next tip soon!

Visit The Balanced Scale on line @

www.thebalancedscale.com

Joe Piccolo ( no kidding )

The Balanced Scale logo

Buying an intermediate / step up saxophone

Buying an Intermediate / Step up Saxophone

Your biggest consideration in the purchase of a new/used saxophone is your budget. One might expect to spend between $800.00 and $2500.00. While there are some cost savings associated with buying a used saxophone, there is also a certain amount of risk involved. A used saxophone will most likely need to be adjusted and balanced see Repad.

Some brand names to look for:

Generally brand name instruments are your best choice. Some makers are: Buffet, Conn, Buescher, King, Leblanc, Martin, S.M.L., Jupiter, and Yamaha.

Features of the Intermediate / Step up Saxophone

Body

Today’s intermediate / step up saxophones are manufactured mainly from brass mixed with various alloys. This manufacturing refinement allows for ease of machining, and produces a solid instrument for the student, amateur, and road musician. However the intermediate / step up saxophone lacks the ability to produce the full tonal range of a professional saxophone due to the materials used in manufacturing.

Saxophones from bygone eras have different metallurgical properties. These older saxophones are often softer and do not stand up to the rigors of student use. However they have a more “interesting” sound.

The finish used for most saxophones is clear / gold lacquer and epoxy. Other finishes are becoming increasingly popular. The finish protects, preserves and can even ornament the exterior of the saxophone.

Post’s can be mounted directly on the saxophone body, or they may be mounted on a “rib”. Ribbed construction is recommended, as post and key mechanisms are fastened to the rib [a strip of metal attached to the tube] and not directly on the body tube itself. This construction assists with the alignment and strength of the saxophone’s mechanics.

The bow found at bottom of the saxophone should have a sturdy “bow guard” installed. This added layer of metal helps in preventing damage caused by every day “bumps & bruises”. Often the goose neck will have a similar reinforcement soldered to the bottom of the neck. This assists in keeping the neck in alignment.

Toneholes

Drawn and rolled toneholes are standard on all but a few “vintage” intermediate / step up saxophones models. This manufacture set up allows for many saxophones to be produced in a quick and efficient manner.

Testing the response

Keys

The key work on a step up / intermediate saxophone should to feel similar to the key work found on a professional saxophone. This is accomplished by installing “blue” steel springs.
Intermediate / Step up saxophones often have keys made of brass (gold appearance), or nickel plated brass (silver appearance). Any of these finishes are appropriate.

Most intermediate / step up saxophones will have a high F# key. Other features may include a tilting spatula. This feature allows for more natural feel for the left hand pinky finger.

Baritone saxophones should have a low A.

Most importantly the key work needs to fit the contour of the hands playing the saxophone. Try as many as you can.

Mouthpiece

The most common materials used for saxophone mouthpieces are plastic, hard rubber, and for the intermediate player metal. Most entry intermediate / step level saxophones include a basic, mass-produced plastic mouthpiece. Consider having it re-faced, or replace it with a professional mouthpiece. The advantage for the student / player is two fold: The instrument will sound better, and play with greater ease. Secondly, the time it takes to get accustom to a new mouthpiece can be lengthy, start with the best and stay there. For more information regarding mouthpieces click here.

Accessories

Accessories for the saxophone may include the following:

• mouthpiece, ligature, and protective cap
• neck strap
• cork grease
• oil for lubrication
• cleaning swab
• reed guard

Before you purchase, inquire if the accessories listed above are included in the purchase price.

Saxophone repair

Finally, a sturdy case that fits the contour of the saxophone is essential to ensure that your new companion remains safe and snug. Avoid storing your books / sheet music in the case. The case is designed to accommodate the shape of the saxophone, your books / sheet music can interfere with that design.

Do you have any questions…ask here

The Balanced Scale is a marriage of music and mechanics

Buying your step up clarinet

Buying a Step Up / Intermediate Clarinet

Your biggest consideration in the purchase of a new/used clarinet is your budget. One might expect to spend between $600.00 and $1800.00 for a step up / intermediate clarinet. While there are some cost savings associated with buying a used clarinet, there is also a certain amount of risk involved. A used clarinet will most likely need to be adjusted and balanced for your personal touch.

Some Brand Names to Look For

Generally brand name instruments are your best choice. Some makers are: Armstrong, Artley, Blessing, Buffet, Bundy, Noblet, Jupiter, Leblanc, Selmer, and Yamaha.

Features of the Step Up / Intermediate Clarinet

Body (plastic / hard rubber)

Step up / intermediate clarinets can be made of plastic / hard rubber, or wood. Plastic / hard rubber clarinets are quite durable, and tend to stand up better to the daily rigors of student use. The body of the plastic / hard rubber clarinet is not affected by changes in relative humidity and climate; this attribute makes the plastic / hard rubber clarinet the ideal choice for students and professionals who perform outdoors.

Body (wood)

Wood clarinets are generally made of African Grenadilla wood, and provide a warmer, more practiced sound than a plastic / hard rubber clarinet. However, this advantage is offset by the discipline needed to maintain and care for the wood clarinet. The wood clarinet experiences contraction / expansion due to changes in temperature and humidity. While the contraction / expansion of the body occurs, the posts and key work will move as well. This situation makes for loose and binding keys.

Typical causes for this phenomenon are:

• infrequent practice schedules
• long periods of non-use
• forgetting the clarinet in a hot / cold car
• leaving damp cleaning swabs in the case

The Bore

At the step up / intermediate level, modifications to the bore (the inside of the clarinet) begin to appear. Actions such as “undercutting” refer to the removal of sharp edges caused during the machining of toneholes. This extra step assists with intonation and response.

Keys

Step up / intermediate clarinets often have keys made out of an alloy called German silver. German silver is made from copper, zinc, and nickel. The keys are plated in nickel or silver.

The key work on a step up / intermediate clarinet should feel similar to a professional clarinet. This is accomplished by installing blue steel springs. Blue steel springs provide a quicker response coupled with a lighter touch.

Mouthpiece

The most common materials used for clarinet mouthpieces are plastic and hard rubber. Most step up / intermediate clarinets include a basic mass-produced plastic mouthpiece. Consider having it re-faced or replace it with a professional mouthpiece. The advantages for the student are three-fold: the instrument will sound better, it will play with greater ease, and the time it takes to get accustomed to a new mouthpiece may be lengthy, so start with the best and stay there. For more information regarding mouthpieces click here.

Case

Finally, a sturdy case that fits the contour of the clarinet is essential to ensure that your new companion remains safe and snug. Always store your swab and wiping cloth in an external “case cover”. This will ensure extra lint and moisture will not accumulate in and on your clarinet. Case covers are often padded for that “extra” level of security just in “case”.

Buying your first clarinet

Buying an entry level clarinet

The Entry Level Clarinet features

Entry level clarinets range from $99.99 for an E-Bay special to $600.00 for a quality name brand instrument that will accommodate the needs of the student until their technique and the demands of their music require an upgrade or “step up” clarinet.

Some Brand Names to Look For

Generally brand name instruments are your best choice. Some makers are: Armstrong, Artley, Blessing, Buffet, Bundy, Noblet, Jupiter, Leblanc, Selmer, and Yamaha.

Features of the Entry Level Clarinet

Body (plastic / hard rubber)

Entry level clarinets can be made of plastic / hard rubber or wood. Plastic / hard rubber clarinets are quite durable, and tend to stand up better to the daily rigors of student use. The body of the plastic / hard rubber clarinet is not affected by changes in relative humidity and climate; this attribute makes the plastic / hard rubber clarinet the ideal choice for students and professionals who perform outdoors. This style of clarinet is the most commonly purchased clarinet for the beginner.

Body (wood)

Wood clarinets are generally made of African Grenadilla wood, and provide a warmer, more practiced sound than a plastic / hard rubber clarinet.

However, this advantage is offset by the discipline needed to maintain and care for the wood clarinet. The wood clarinet experiences contraction / expansion due to changes in temperature and relative humidity. While the contraction / expansion of the body occurs, the posts and key work will move as well. This situation makes for loose and binding keys.

Typical causes for this phenomenon are:

• infrequent practice schedules
• long periods of non-use
• forgetting the clarinet in a hot / cold car
• leaving damp cleaning swabs in the case

Keys

Most entry level clarinets have nickel plated keys. The keys are usually made out of an alloy called German silver. This is made from copper, zinc, and nickel. The finish is durable, but tends to be a bit on the slippery side.

Mouthpiece

The most common materials used for clarinet mouthpieces are plastic and hard rubber. Most entry level clarinets include a basic mass-produced plastic mouthpiece. Consider having it re-faced or replace it with a professional mouthpiece. The advantages for the student are three-fold: the instrument will sound better, it will play with greater ease, and the time it takes to get accustomed to a new mouthpiece may be lengthy, so start with the best and stay there. For more information regarding mouthpieces click here.

.

Case

Finally, a sturdy case that fits the contour of the clarinet is essential to ensure that your new companion remains safe and snug. Always store your swab and wiping cloth in an external “case cover”. This will ensure extra lint and moisture will not accumulate in and on your clarinet. Case covers are often padded for that “extra” level of security just in “case”.

Do you have any questions….ask here

Visit The Balanced Scale on line @

www.thebalancedscale.com

Quality used clarinets for sale here

The marriage of music and mechanics

Buying an intermediate Clarinet

Buying a Intermediate /Step up Clarinet

Step Up / Intermediate Clarinet

Your biggest consideration in the purchase of a new/used clarinet is your budget. One might expect to spend between $600.00 and $1800.00 for a step up / intermediate clarinet. While there are some cost savings associated with buying a used clarinet, there is also a certain amount of risk involved. A used clarinet will most likely need to be adjusted and balanced for your personal touch.

Some Brand Names to Look For

Generally brand name instruments are your best choice. Some makers are: Armstrong, Artley, Blessing, Buffet, Bundy, Noblet, Jupiter, Leblanc, Selmer, and Yamaha.

Features of the Step Up / Intermediate Clarinet

Body (plastic / hard rubber)

Step up / intermediate clarinets can be made of plastic / hard rubber, or wood. Plastic / hard rubber clarinets are quite durable, and tend to stand up better to the daily rigors of student use. The body of the plastic / hard rubber clarinet is not affected by changes in relative humidity and climate; this attribute makes the plastic / hard rubber clarinet the ideal choice for students and professionals who perform outdoors.

Body (wood)

Wood clarinets are generally made of African Grenadilla wood, and provide a warmer, more practiced sound than a plastic / hard rubber clarinet. However, this advantage is offset by the discipline needed to maintain and care for the wood clarinet. The wood clarinet experiences contraction / expansion due to changes in temperature and humidity. While the contraction / expansion of the body occurs, the posts and key work will move as well. This situation makes for loose and binding keys.

Typical causes for this phenomenon are:

• infrequent practice schedules
• long periods of non-use
• forgetting the clarinet in a hot / cold car
• leaving damp cleaning swabs in the case

The Bore

At the step up / intermediate level, modifications to the bore (the inside of the clarinet) begin to appear. Actions such as “undercutting” refer to the removal of sharp edges caused during the machining of toneholes. This extra step assists with intonation and response.

Keys

Step up / intermediate clarinets often have keys made out of an alloy called German silver. German silver is made from copper, zinc, and nickel. The keys are plated in nickel or silver.

The key work on a step up / intermediate clarinet should feel similar to a professional clarinet. This is accomplished by installing blue steel springs. Blue steel springs provide a quicker response coupled with a lighter touch.

Mouthpiece

The most common materials used for clarinet mouthpieces are plastic and hard rubber. Most step up / intermediate clarinets include a basic mass-produced plastic mouthpiece. Consider having it re-faced or replace it with a professional mouthpiece. The advantages for the student are three-fold: the instrument will sound better, it will play with greater ease, and the time it takes to get accustomed to a new mouthpiece may be lengthy, so start with the best and stay there. For more information regarding mouthpieces click here.

Case

Finally, a sturdy case that fits the contour of the clarinet is essential to ensure that your new companion remains safe and snug. Always store your swab and wiping cloth in an external “case cover”. This will ensure extra lint and moisture will not accumulate in and on your clarinet. Case covers are often padded for that “extra” level of security just in “case”.

Do you have any questions..? Ask here.

Visit The Balanced Scale on the web @

www.thebalancedscale.com

Joe Piccolo

There is no substitute for a properly working instrument

Buying a saxophone

Buying a beginner  saxophone

The Entry Level Saxophone

Which saxophone is right for you?

The alto saxophone with its smaller key layout and initial need for less breath support make it an ideal choice for the student or those with smaller hands. Skills acquired on the alto saxophone are transferable other members of the woodwind family. It is by far the most common of the saxophone family.

Other “common” members of the saxophone family include

• soprano
• tenor
• baritone

Your biggest consideration in the purchase of a new/used saxophone is your budget. One might expect to spend between $400.00 and $1600.00. While there are some cost savings associated with buying a used saxophone, there is also a certain amount of risk involved. A used saxophone will most likely need to be adjusted and balanced. see P.C.

Generally brand name instruments are your best choice. Some makers are: Armstrong, Alpine, Bundy, Jupiter, and Yamaha.

Features of the Entry Level Saxophone

Body

Entry level saxophones are manufactured from yellow brass. This material is durable and stands up to the rigors of student use. The finish used for most saxophones is clear lacquer/epoxy. This finish protects and preserves the exterior of the saxophone.

Post’s can be mounted directly on the saxophone body, or they may be mounted on a “rib”. Ribbed construction is recommended, as post and key mechanisms are fastened to the rib [a strip of metal attached to the tube] and not directly on the body tube itself. This construction assists with the alignment and strength of the saxophone’s mechanics.

The bow of bottom of the saxophone should have a sturdy “bow guard” insuring minimal damage occurs when the saxophone is inevitably dropped.

Toneholes

Drawn and rolled toneholes are standard on all but a few “vintage” student models. This manufacture set up allows many saxophones to be produced in a quick and efficient manner.

Keys

Entry Level Saxophone often have keys made of brass (gold appearance), or nickel plated brass (silver appearance). Either of these finishes is appropriate. Some entry level / student saxophones will have a high F# key. While this is not usually a concern for the beginner, its value is worth your consideration for future use and resale purposes. Most importantly the key work needs to fit the contour of the hands playing the saxophone. Try as many as you can.

Mouthpiece

Saxophone repair

The most common materials used for saxophone mouthpieces are plastic and hard rubber. Most entry level saxophones include a basic, mass-produced plastic mouthpiece. Consider having it re-faced, or replace it with a professional mouthpiece. The advantage for the student is two fold: The instrument will sound better, and play with greater ease. Secondly, the time it takes to get accustom to a new mouthpiece can be lengthy, start with the best and stay there. For more information regarding mouthpieces click here.

Accessories

Accessories for the saxophone may include the following:

• mouthpiece, ligature, and protective cap
• neck strap
• cork grease
• oil for lubrication
• cleaning swab
• reed guard

Before you purchase, inquire if the accessories listed above are included in the purchase price.

Case

Finally, a sturdy case that fits the contour of the saxophone is essential to ensure that your new companion remains safe and snug. Avoid storing your books / sheet music in the case. The case is designed to accommodate the shape of the saxophone, your books / sheet music can interfere with that design.

I hope this has been helpfull!

Do you have any questions?…ask

Please visit The Balanced Scale

Buyin your first saxophone

Buying an Entry Level Saxophone

Which saxophone is right for you?

Checking the right hand

The alto saxophone with its smaller key layout and initial need for less breath support make it an ideal choice for the student or those with smaller hands. Skills acquired on the alto saxophone are transferable other members of the woodwind family. It is by far the most common of the saxophone family.

Other “common” members of the saxophone family include

• soprano
• tenor
• baritone

For more information regarding the saxophone family click here.

Your biggest consideration in the purchase of a new/used saxophone is your budget. One might expect to spend between $400.00 and $1600.00. While there are some cost savings associated with buying a used saxophone, there is also a certain amount of risk involved. A used saxophone will most likely need to be adjusted and balanced. see P.C.

Generally brand name instruments are your best choice. Some makers are: Armstrong, Alpine, Bundy, Jupiter, and Yamaha.

Features of the Entry Level Saxophone

Body

Entry level saxophones are manufactured from yellow brass. This material is durable and stands up to the rigors of student use. The finish used for most saxophones is clear lacquer/epoxy. This finish protects and preserves the exterior of the saxophone.

Post’s can be mounted directly on the saxophone body, or they may be mounted on a “rib”. Ribbed construction is recommended, as post and key mechanisms are fastened to the rib [a strip of metal attached to the tube] and not directly on the body tube itself. This construction assists with the alignment and strength of the saxophone’s mechanics.

The bow of bottom of the saxophone should have a sturdy “bow guard” insuring minimal damage occurs when the saxophone is inevitably dropped.

Toneholes

Drawn and rolled toneholes are standard on all but a few “vintage” student models. This manufacture set up allows many saxophones to be produced in a quick and efficient manner.

Keys

Entry Level Saxophone often have keys made of brass (gold appearance), or nickel plated brass (silver appearance). Either of these finishes is appropriate. Some entry level / student saxophones will have a high F# key. While this is not usually a concern for the beginner, its value is worth your consideration for future use and resale purposes. Most importantly the key work needs to fit the contour of the hands playing the saxophone. Try as many as you can.

Mouthpiece

The most common materials used for saxophone mouthpieces are plastic and hard rubber. Most entry level saxophones include a basic, mass-produced plastic mouthpiece. Consider having it re-faced, or replace it with a professional mouthpiece. The advantage for the student is two fold: The instrument will sound better, and play with greater ease. Secondly, the time it takes to get accustom to a new mouthpiece can be lengthy, start with the best and stay there. For more information regarding mouthpieces click here.

Accessories

Accessories for the saxophone may include the following:

• mouthpiece, ligature, and protective cap
• neck strap
• cork grease
• oil for lubrication
• cleaning swab
• reed guard

Before you purchase, inquire if the accessories listed above are included in the purchase price.

Case

Finally, a sturdy case that fits the contour of the saxophone is essential to ensure that your new companion remains safe and snug. Avoid storing your books / sheet music in the case. The case is designed to accommodate the shape of the saxophone, your books / sheet music can interfere with that design.

Do you have any questions comments or queries?

Visit The Balanced Scale

Buying your first clarinet

Buying an Entry Level Clarinet

Entry level clarinets range from $99.99 for an E-Bay special to $600.00 for a quality name brand instrument that will accommodate the needs of the student until their technique and the demands of their music require an upgrade or “step up” instrument.

Some Brand Names to Look For

Generally brand name instruments are your best choice. Some makers are: Armstrong, Artley, Blessing, Buffet, Bundy, Noblet, Jupiter, Leblanc, Selmer, and Yamaha.

Features of the Entry Level Clarinet

Body (plastic / hard rubber)

Entry level clarinets can be made of plastic / hard rubber or wood. Plastic / hard rubber clarinets are quite durable, and tend to stand up better to the daily rigors of student use. The body of the plastic / hard rubber clarinet is not affected by changes in relative humidity and climate; this attribute makes the plastic / hard rubber clarinet the ideal choice for students and professionals who perform outdoors. This style of clarinet is the most commonly purchased clarinet for the beginner.

Body (wood)

Wood clarinets are generally made of African Grenadilla wood, and provide a warmer, more practiced sound than a plastic / hard rubber clarinet.

However, this advantage is offset by the discipline needed to maintain and care for the wood clarinet. The wood clarinet experiences contraction / expansion due to changes in temperature and relative humidity. While the contraction / expansion of the body occurs, the posts and key work will move as well. This situation makes for loose and binding keys.

Typical causes for this phenomenon are:

• infrequent practice schedules
• long periods of non-use
• forgetting the clarinet in a hot / cold car
• leaving damp cleaning swabs in the case

Keys

Most entry level clarinets have nickel plated keys. The keys are usually made out of an alloy called German silver. This is made from copper, zinc, and nickel. The finish is durable, but tends to be a bit on the slippery side.

Mouthpiece

The most common materials used for clarinet mouthpieces are plastic and hard rubber. Most entry level clarinets include a basic mass-produced plastic mouthpiece. Consider having it re-faced or replace it with a professional mouthpiece. The advantages for the student are three-fold: the instrument will sound better, it will play with greater ease, and the time it takes to get accustomed to a new mouthpiece may be lengthy, so start with the best and stay there.

.Case

Finally, a sturdy case that fits the contour of the clarinet is essential to ensure that your new companion remains safe and snug. Always store your swab and wiping cloth in an external “case cover”. This will ensure extra lint and moisture will not accumulate in and on your clarinet. Case covers are often padded for that “extra” level of security just in “case”.

Please visit The Balanced Scale clarinet buying guides for more information

Do you have any questions, comments or queries?

There is no substitute for a properly working instrument

Assessing your wind instrument before problems become expensive

Assessing your wind instrument

Your instrument is made of many moving parts, some rely on others to “regulate” or “align” key’s, rotor’s or piston’s  to produce music!

Have you ever been distracted by a slow moving key or the clicking noise from an instrument?

Most problem start small and gradually grow. You might not notice that a passage is becoming increasingly difficult to play. It can cause doubt in your mind!

Fortunately assessing your musical instrument is not difficult or time consuming.

How to assess your repair needs

Is your instrument making “noise” ?

Are there clicks, clacks and clanks?

After careful inspection what did you notice?

Are you having “key issues” ?

Are your keys slow / binding ?

After carefull inspection, what did you notice?

What is the condition of your pad’s?

Are your pads in good shape?

After carefull inspection, what did you notice?

Is your instrument in tune?

Are you in tune?

After carefull inspection, what did you notice?

Visual inspection

Things to look for

After carefull inspection, what did you notice?

Just in “Case”

You case is your first line of defense for your instrument

After carefull inspection, what did you notice?

Just do it!

A small amount of time and care will keep your instrument in good playing  order (G.P.O.), maintain its appearance and value, reduce the time your instrument is away at the shop and prolong your playing enjoyment.

If you have any questions, comments, or queries please contact The Balanced Scale

Visit us on @ www.thebalancedscale.com

There is no substitute for a properly working instrument!

Summer maintenance for your instrument

Annual maintenance benefits the musician the instrument and the orchestra

Now is the time

With the end of  the concert season in view, and your vacation plans in mind now is the perfect time to consider booking your brass/wind instrument in to your local repair technician for annual cleaning and  maintenance.

Why book annually?

Your brass/wind  instrument is made up of many moving and delicate parts. Some parts rely on springs, corks, and linkages to operate  other keys, when your instrument is out of “alignment” it may be difficult to play soft  or perhaps a tricky section you were able to play before has now  become impossible.  Sometimes the instrument will stop playing all together  and the repair need is obvious, but more often it is a gradual occurrence, causing doubt about your playing in  mind.

Fix small problems before they become big expensive ones!

Cleanliness is next to …..well you know

Have you ever considered your instrument to be  the ideal  “host environment” for bacteria. A nice moist nutrient rich home for microorganisms and let’s not forget to mention the case. A nice dark quiet home for millions of your  best friends!  

Do you rinse your toothbrush after every use?

Have you ever walked by a case that had a foul smell?  O.K. enough said!

Benefits to the musician

Your instrument is an investment, with many precise mechanical features. A small amount of time and care will keep your instrument in good working order, preserve its appearance (and value), reduce servicing costs and prolong your playing enjoyment.

Do you have questions ?

 www.thebalancedscale.com