The most common swab is nowadays the pull through swab. Avoid the traditionally used wool or silk swab with a wooden or wire handle. Fine fibers are released from the swab and fastened to the tone holes. This again draws water and closes the tone holes.
Life expectation and intonation issues
The right choice of the swab has a great influence on the state of the instrument. The blurring is probably the main reason why instruments are blown out prematurely. Wiped out would be probably a better expression. In the course of the year, his instrument was quickly swabbed 10,000 times. The tighter the swab goes through the bore; the more friction it has. This will increase the bore diameter and causes problems for the sound:
1. It becomes less focused
2. It will sound open, bright and harsh.
3. The pitch will get sharper.
4. The instrument looses its resistance
Should you have any problems, this can be addressed. Bore replacement information
We strongly recommend using a or Microfiber transducer, which reads easily through the drill bit, but can absorb the moisture. Learn more about swabbing properly