Klarinet Archive - Posting 000089.txt from 1994/02

From: Cary Karp <nrm-karp@-----.SE>
Subj: Re: Finish on clarinets...
Date: Wed, 9 Feb 1994 09:13:27 -0500

On Tue, 8 Feb 1994, Martin Pergler wrote:

> I have a well-loved pair of Buffet R13s which have lately started shedding
> their black finish, especially on the bell and barrel, to the extend that
> the "coffee" colour, I assume of the original wood, is showing through.
>
> I am not that concerned about their appearance (though if this continues
> they will become noticeably spotty), but I wonder if it might cause
> trouble in protecting the wood from moisture, etc. It does not seem to
> affect the sound (it would be strange if it did...)
>
> My query? Should I even by concerned about this? Is it worthwhile to try
> to revarnish it? What sort of finish is it anyway? Is this a common
> problem?

Clarinet manufacturers usually stain grenadilla black to hide both blemishes
in the wood and differences in the appearance of the wood used for the
different joints of an instrument. The stain serves no acoustic or
preservative function and you can do perfectly well without it. The
natural appearance of grenadilla is a lot more interesting and, I think,
attractive than is the artificial licorice patina that's slapped on it at
the factory. If you know what you're doing, you can easily remove the
remaining stain with a soft buffing wheel. It may also be soluable in
alcohol -- try cautiously moistening a piece of cotton with isopropyl
alcohol (available in any drugstore) and rubbing a small area of the
stain. If it comes off easily with no decoloration of the underlying
wood, you may easily find your clarinet all the better looking for
continuing the process.