Bassoon tone Holes

Hi, I`m preparing a bassoon (it is not mine, it belongs to the music school) for a pad replacing, and found pieces of bandit in some holes (Low E, Low G). I want to know what are they doing there, and what is their pourpose....

Another thing: It is a good idea to remove the U-tube for cleaning? i think the joint between the U-tube and the wood is made of cork.

Thank you all!

Hello,

I`m not certain of what you are describing is in the G and E holes, but about the U-tube i can say what I have been told. You do not want to remove it to try to get a better swabbing etc very often. There is some potential problem with taking it on and off too much that a professional bassoonist told me, so I trust them. There really isn`t ever a need to take it off though to swab, just pour the spit out and pull the rag through it a few times and that`s enough. Remember, your goal is not to dry the instrument out, but to remove excess moisture and spread it around.

Randy

(of course the U-tube is removed for repair etc)