Hello all,
FINALLY here is the long promised post for how to prevent water issues. This is a process that I learned in 2008 and have, for the vast majority of the time, not had any water issues since doing this. FYI I have changed instruments a couple of times since then so for me the process is pretty solid. You need your oiling supplies and a small amount of mineral water. I just use the mineral water that I buy from my local Food Co-op. The important part is that the minerals are in there.
Step 1: Completely oil your oboe. Whatever your process is that works for you is fine. Here is mine. Oil all three parts individually and let dry in case with the lid open.
Step 2: Fully assemble your oboe. Hold it upside down so that you are looking into the bell and the keys are facing up toward the ceiling. Take a dropper or cue tip, something that can control the flow of the water, and put a couple drops of the mineral oil onto the back side of the bell. Continue adding drops SLOWLY until a drop or two will come out of the reed well.
Step 3: Leave to dry fully assembled, keys up. Once dry you should be able to feel a light trail of “grit” on the backside of the bore. Do NOT swab.
Step 4: Play and enjoy. Swab when you are done playing like normal.