Dealing with Condensation-Related Issues in the Bore.
Some instruments exhibit a consistent buildup of condensation inside specific passages of the left-hand side during use, with no apparent mechanical defects.
This phenomenon can be explained by various factors: the configuration of the wood’s natural grain on the inner wall of the bore, incorrect postural habits during rest periods (holding the instrument with the keys facing down), or the formation of a preferred flow channel. Day after day, mineral and organic deposits create a continuous hydrophilic trail that travels up from the bore toward a specific keyhole. As a result, the tone hole becomes saturated with water after only a few minutes of use.
The wooden body of the instrument requires regular preventive lubrication with high-quality sweet almond oil. However, if the hydrophilic channel has already formed, this application is insufficient. As long as the physical path guiding the moisture remains, the fluid will continue to follow the same trajectory. To correct this, methodically smooth the inner wall of the bore using a swab very lightly impregnated with oil until the residual deposit is completely removed.
The condensation flow must then be redirected toward the lower section of the tube. In the upper part of the body (the piperelle), air pressure initially disperses the moisture across the entire circumference of the bore. However, downstream of the third-octave key or the trill keys, the liquid flow must converge and flow along the lower generatrix (the bottom of the bore).
To re-train the flow direction, the following procedure can be used: insert a drop of water into the entrance of the piperelle using a micro-syringe. Gently tap the lower end of the body or tap the instrument against the thenar eminence of the hand (the base of the thumb) to generate shock waves. These vibrations force the water to flow down along the lower generatrix of the bore. Once the fluid’s position has been verified, blow air in gradually, regularly checking that the flow does not migrate toward the side channels. Continue tapping the instrument to force the water molecules to converge toward the drainage axis. As soon as the liquid film remains stable at the bottom of the bore, the instrument is ready to be played.
In addition, it is essential to adjust your posture during breaks: hold the instrument with the keys facing upward to prevent water from entering the side channels by gravity.
On an instrument prone to this type of clogging, regularly applying light manual taps to the upper body helps to concentrate and mechanically stabilize the water flow along its intended drainage path.
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