Klarinet Archive - Posting 000141.txt from 1994/02

From: Joshua Proschan <0004839378@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: finish on clarinets
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 1994 22:21:01 -0500

re: Finish on clarinets...

I agree with what Cary Karp <nrm-karp@-----.SE> wrote
regarding oil, with two exceptions:

> It is not likely that an oil will dry at all in the dark and moist
> interior of a clarinet which is in reasonably regular use. A film of
> drying oil on a bore surface would probably be wiped and/or "flushed"
> away long before it could do any harm.

First, drying oils "dry" through an internal chemical reaction or
oxidation. Moisture will not stop this, nor will darkness. If the
oil is applied heavily (on a stripped joint, for example) the excess
can be wiped off; but a residue will remain. Unless the natural oils in
the wood interfere with the reactions, the drying oil will eventually
harden. Over the years, a perceptible layer will build up.

Second, in my experience using oil on furniture, "wiping off two coats
for each coat applied" requires a great deal of pressure, friction, and
heat; and--by intent--abrades the surface to polish it. How do you do
this in a clarinet bore without changing the bore?

The other point I disagree with is the implication that clarinet bores
do not need to be oiled. I know this is a very controversial issue,
with some people saying that oil destroys the sound of the instrument.
I have not found this to be true, with careful oiling. Also, my
experience in the Northeastern U.S., with relative humidity often below
10% in the winter, is that periodic oiling slows the absorption of
moisture into the wood, which reduces the swelling of the wood and
resultant stresses. This is especially true with barrels and upper
joints.

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