another stupid question–I received a nice Yamaha alto plastic recorder. It has two ‘end caps’ that cover the parts on the middle and foot joints that insert into the holes..I don’t know what the term is. It would seem that these would impede drying. Are they just something that comes with a new recorder or is it advised to use them? Thanks.
The caps protect the grease on the joints whilst the instrument is not in use; they also protect the thinner walls of the joints.
Dry the recorder out, if you can leave it dis-assembled until thoroughly dry, and then put the end caps on the joints when you put the recorder back in its bag.
Great; thanks! Will do.
Thats exactly what I do. After playing I swab it out then leave it to air dry till later. Then I put the caps on and put it back in its case.
I’m not all that careful with my plastic instruments, but I do put the caps on when putting the recorders in their pouches.