How to clean the block of the recorder

[@LobkeSprenkeling]

( 🇪🇸Vídeo en español: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIXTmIdnjbd6r9U ) Here are the links to the other videos! How to oil the recorder: kzbin.info/www/bejne/joHWknqkd7WJZpY How to maintain recorder tabs (cork / thread): kzbin.info/www/bejne/anKTlHRrgcSpqac How to place new thread on the tab of a recorder: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGSVgadjn9qnqLs What to do when a recorder block doesn't fit: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnm3eKZql8SjnpI How to solve a regularly clogged recorder: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ6vZ36OhLaEfaM How to treat mould in a recorder: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWHRl5SemMxjb9E How to clean extra small recorders: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHzWdaVqrtyMosU How to prevent the recorder thumb hole from wearing out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/amevqXube7-KpKs

[@juliansanders6324]

THANK YOU SO MUCH LOBKE! I saw this on the Kueng website - " If the wood surface in the wind- channel is rough or overlaid with dirt particles, neither pre-warming or Anticondens will help (characteristic: the hoarseness persists). The only solution is to send it in for cleaning" and realised that this exactly describes my Dolmetsch which I just could not play in. I followed your instructions here (very nervously) and I've just got the block back in, after several days wait after taking it out and cleaning it. To get the block back, I held the base of the head-joint against my stoumach to give pressure against something a bit firm but a bit flexible and pushed with my thumb towards me. The inside of this Dolmetsch has a slightly larger bore for the block area than for the rest of the inside so relocating it was easier than I had expected. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER - The recorder is now playing fine. Until I cleaned the block, nothing helped. After cleaning the block and playing the recorder in in the usual way, it's now a fine instrument. Thank you for this film Lobke (though I have to say this is always going to be something I approach nervously).

[@LobkeSprenkeling]

JULIAN SANDERS Thank you so much for this awesome feedback!! I’m glad it went in easily!! And I totally understand you worked on it with some nervousness - it’s such a delicate part of the recorder. The good thing is, once you’ve done it, it gets easier every time, and you don’t have to send it every so many months just to have it cleaned. Thank you again!! ❤️

[@alicjawojnarowicz4871]

Thank you so much,this was very helpful for me! First time I did this cleaning. My flute was full of wax and now it sounds like brandnew! 🙏🏼

[@LobkeSprenkeling]

I’m really glad it has helped!! And you’ll see that over time it’ll become easier to do!

[@philippebolton1369]

This is a great video! I use alcohol for cleaning the block and windway. It dries quickly and disinfects at the same time. I also use a (clean!) tootbrush in the windway. It efficiently gets dirt out of the corners without doing any damage.

[@LobkeSprenkeling]

Philippe Bolton Thank you so much for leaving a comment!! My experience is alcohol really dries the wood out, that’s why I prefer water even though it takes more time, and only use alcohol if it’s really dirty or has mould. Your tip on the toothbrush is great! It should be a soft one though, right?

[@HervéJourde]

Thank you Lobke for the clear explanations. When doing the same, I take utmost care of the chamfer, at the bevel side of the block : it is fragile and crucial, as it directs the air flow to the bevel.

[@LobkeSprenkeling]

Correct! That is indeed a detail I didn’t mention in the video! Thank you! 🌸

[@chrisclr]

Hello there. If the block refuses to go back in, should I just wait a couple of days and then try again? Also, I saw a video whereby someone was cleaning the block with high volume alcohol. Would you recommend doing that as well? Many thanks for your very helpful video.

[@LobkeSprenkeling]

Hello, thank you for your comment! I recommend you watch this video: "What to do when a recorder block doesn't fit": kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnm3eKZql8SjnpI - that will answer your question (make sure your block is dry though)! Alcohol in my experience dries out the wood, so I only use it when it's really dirty or when there is mould.

[@fakolasto2617]

Great video Lobke. Wondering where did you get those different size of wooden sticks?

[@LobkeSprenkeling]

Fako Lasto Thank you so much!! I got them from the Do-It-Yourself store! Just make sure that you sandpaper the end of the stick if there is any sharp edge.

[@fakolasto2617]

Lobke Sprenkeling thank you for the reply

[@M-isty]

Can I clean block in washing machine

[@LobkeSprenkeling]

No. 😉 Clean the block as I indicate and you’ll be fine (and your recorder too).

[@alexalestareon695]

This is perfect especially since now u can’t find rubbing alcohol for less than what your willing to spend.

[@LobkeSprenkeling]

Alex Alestareon Thank you, I agree! And especially doing what is best for the recorder!

[@opabinnier]

BTY: it's pronounced "swob". In UK, OZ, SA, NZ... even everywhere in the US (remarkable unanimity!)

[@LobkeSprenkeling]

Oh I didn’t know that! Thank you!

[@eddiezon_21]

You are like copying the video of sarah jeffre/team recorder 😕

[@juliansanders6324]

If you check this out then (a) this film is far more detailed than Sarah Jeffrey's; and (b) Sarah recommends Lobke's films, probably for this reason.

[@LobkeSprenkeling]

Here is the video Julian talks about: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXusp3qmlN2SgM0 (minute 02.15) Thank you, Julian! 🌷🌷🌷 Clarence, I invite you to have a look at the videos of my channel. I’m sure you’ll find a lot of differences :)

[@lolaa5645]

The only similarity is that they both play recorder. This is an entirely different kind of video and style.