Post 54: Why do I keep getting water in my octave vents?

Over the years at Onks Woodwind, we have found two reasons that consistently cause water buildup in oboe/EH octave vents.

The first reason is that dust builds up inside the octave tone holes.  This buildup happens over time during normal playing and swabbing of the instrument.   I think everyone agrees that if any tone hole gets clogged with any foreign material, the foreign material will attract moisture.  Tone holes, especially small ones like octave vents, must remain as clean as possible to help prevent water buildup.

The second reason is related to temperature.  Most oboists are aware that they must warm up their oboes before playing them to help prevent cracking, but did you know this is also important to prevent water buildup?  Octave vents in oboes and English horns, are typically made out of metal, and this metal takes a little longer to warm up.  Have you ever blown your breath on a cold window or mirror?  If you have, you know this causes condensation instantly.  The metal octave vents are the exact same scenario.  Because of this, we recommend warming up the upper joint of your oboe/EH for much longer than you think it needs.  By warming up the joint for a longer period, you allow the warmth from your body to radiate through the wood/plastic and completely warm up the metal vents which will eliminate the possibility of condensation buildup in the vents.  Over the years we have recommended this procedure to many clients and it has solved their water issues just about every time.

There are, of course, many other issues that can cause water buildup in octave vents, but we feel these two reasons are the most common.  Clean up and warm up are our suggestions!  -Jason Onks