Klarinet Archive - Posting 000098.txt from 1994/02

From: Joshua Proschan <0004839378@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Finish on clarinets
Date: Wed, 9 Feb 1994 18:56:00 -0500

Subject: re: Finish on clarinets...

Martin Pergler <pergler@-----.EDU> writes:
>
>Dear Readers:
>
>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?
>
>Thanks, Martin
>
>
The black color is a dye, not a varnish. The dye has no effect that I
have ever heard of on the stability or sound of the wood. My personal
opinion is that the instruments look nicer without it, but any *good*
repairman can re-dye the wood next time you have the instrument
overhauled.

In any case, *never* use varnish on a clarinet. That includes drying
oils such as linseed oil, tung oil, or walnut oil; they will build up a
film on the surface, and change the sound of the instrument. Grenadilla
is a variety of rosewood, which is a very oily wood. Varnishes and
drying oils may never dry properly because of the oil in the wood, and
may damage the pads.

The only safe thing to use on a clarinet is a non-drying oil, such as
oil of sweet almond. This used to be available at pharmacies in small
bottles, and is available from chemical supply houses in quarts. It
should be refrigerated to keep it from turning rancid; the fresh oil has
a mild, very faint odor. This oil works well on all wood instruments if
applied very, very sparingly (except on pad seats, which should never be
oiled).

Joshua Proschan Internet: jproschan@-----.com