Klarinet Archive - Posting 000455.txt from 1995/03

From: Steve Prescott <MIPRESC@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Key Plating
Date: Thu, 16 Mar 1995 11:31:16 -0500

Jeremy,

There has been some discussion of this in the past. The best thing you
can do is wipe the keys with a soft cloth after playing. The trouble is
alot of people have "the acid touch"...someone else on the net had a
better term for it...can't remember it right now. In other words, their
chemistry strips plating. Unfortunately there is nothing you can do
about your body chemistry apart from wearing gloves when you play.

There is a product on the market called "The Silver Solution". I use
this for plating touch-up. It colors the metal with silver but the
coating is so thin that you could wear through it in one practice
session.

My suggestion is to have your keys replated and wipe them off everytime
you touch them.

Nickel plating is a little more durable than silver plating.

Hope this helps.

Steve Prescott
Instrument Repair Tech./Clarinetist
Indiana State University
mipresc@-----.edu