Klarinet Archive - Posting 000074.txt from 1994/08

From: Joshua Proschan <0004839378@-----.COM>
Subj: Bore oil
Date: Thu, 18 Aug 1994 23:42:00 -0400

Regarding oil for clarinet bores:

Oil of sweet almond is the one to use. (Oil of bitter
almonds has its uses, but they are generally illegal :-)
Be carefull when buying; it should be--and smell--fresh.
Pharmacies used to carry it in small bottles; or buy a
pound from a lab supply house and share with everyone you
know. :-) Refrigerate or freeze it between oilings.

Linx & Long, in NYC, used to sell oil of sweet almond
exclusively for all wooden woodwinds. It will penetrate
even the densest grenadilla.

Avoid all drying oils: linseed, walnut, tung, etc. These
will turn gummy in the bore, and build up on the surface.

Salad oils should be avoided also. They usually have
additives, that may be harmful.

On the benefits of oiling: I don't know whether the oil
has enough of an effect on the wood's response to changes
in humidity to be of any value--I doubt it--but it has
a strong effect on whether condesnation is absorbed into
the bore or runs off. This does help reduce the swelling
of the wood, and reduces the stress on the instrument.

Joshua Proschan jproschan@-----.com