As with any wooden wind instrument like clarinet, oboe, or piccolo, the wood should be cared for by swabbing and an occasional light oil to keep the instrument from cracking. The oil preserves the wood from warping and cracking, and also gives the instrument a nice and professional look.

The cap that is tied to the bridle should be placed on the reed whenever the instrument is not being played. The cap serves a few purposes – to protect the reed and to keep the reed from staying wide open. Be careful with the bottom portion of the reed that is tightly wrapped with string.

The string is glued on and should not unravel. If the string does unravel, simply put a little amount of glue and wipe it on the end that is loose. This portion of the reed fits in the duduk (the wide end of the instrument) and the wrapped-string act as a grip to keep the reed snug in the instrument.

Please keep in mind that this is an entirely handmade instrument which takes several years for makers to produce a fine product. Care for it as you would any delicate product!