Have you just bought your first duduk? This ancient Armenian woodwind instrument has been used throughout the ages to convey emotion and captivate audiences, but it takes more than simply playing it to keep it sounding beautiful. Read on for some helpful tips on caring for your duduk. If you are still looking for buy duduk, you can look on our catalog of Armenian duduks made by the masters here.
Clean and Maintain Regularly
One of the keys to keeping your duduk in its best playable condition is to clean it regularly and give it some TLC. Before playing, remove any dirt from moving parts with a soft brush or cloth, paying particular attention to the reed. This will help prevent poor tone quality caused by buildup and blockages. After playing, swab out the large bore of the instrument with warm water and use a tight cloth dampened with boiled linseed oil to keep moving parts lubricated. Keep up these basic cleaning steps and your duduk will remain in top condition for years to come!
Keep Your Duduk Stored Correctly
Storage is another important factor in ensuring your duduk stays in perfect condition. Never keep it exposed or on the floor as dust and moisture can cause damage to the wood and reed. When transporting, make sure all parts are firmly secured and avoid extreme temperatures. A good storage solution is a case with foam inserts made specifically for the duduk – not only will this keep it safe but it’ll look great too!
Use the Appropriate Reed and Mouthpiece
The reed and mouthpiece are two of the most important components that form the duduk’s characteristic sound. When purchasing a reed and mouthpiece, only choose those made with quality materials that are made to last. Be sure to clean and oil the wood regularly, as well as replace any old reeds as soon as they start to show signs of wear. Doing so will keep your duduk sounding great for many years to come!
Look After Your Wooden Parts
Proper care and maintenance of your duduk’s wooden parts is essential to preserving the integrity of your instrument. Regularly clean the wooden parts with a soft cloth or brush, paying special attention to the grooves. When possible, use a wax oil to supplement the cleanings and protect the wood from wear and tear. Avoid contact with water as much as possible, and never store your duduk in humid places like bathrooms or basements that may damage it over time.
Prevent Damage to the Instrument
The reed is one of the most important parts of your duduk and needs plenty of care. To keep it in good condition, every time you finish playing, remove the reed from the instrument and store it separately in a dry space. Try to avoid contact with other instruments at all times; different types of wood may cause damage or breakage if touched together. Change your reed out regularly to ensure the best sound quality and prevent damage.