There’s nothing more satisfying than the look and sound of a true wooden instrument. Yet, keeping your wooden instrument in tip-top shape requires some dedicated maintenance. Blackwoods such as grenadilla and cocobolo that are used to make clarinets, piccolos, and other woodwinds are selected for their dense grains and natural oils — which protect, to a degree, against the deleterious effects of moisture. Unfortunately, the wood’s stored oils will eventually dissipate and the wood will dry out. That means it will be thirsty for any moisture, whether it’s coming from you or from ambient humidity. This leads to a couple of problems: first, wet wood is a breeding ground for mold and fungi that promote rot; second, a cycle of moisture absorption and evaporation can cause wood to expand and contract, weakening its structure and resulting in cracking and splitting. But don’t fret, you can prevent moisture-born damage and extend the life of your instrument with a regular oiling routine. Woodwind players at Sweetwater recommend Conn Bore Oil — it’s specially formulated by one of the most trusted names in woodwinds to protect and nourish your wooden instrument.