Klarinet Archive - Posting 000555.txt from 1995/04

From: Cheryl McClure <MCCLURE@-----.EDU>
Subj: Swabs
Date: Fri, 28 Apr 1995 20:48:15 -0400

Since there has been a lot of discussion regarding saliva and
clarinets, etc., I'd like to bring up the related subject of clarinet
swabs and ask what recommendations there are among you. I discovered
to my chagrin recently that the Buffet swab I just purchased (unlike
the anniversary year Buffet swab which has always worked great for
met) now seems to have exactly the same problem for me that I have
with using the Leblanc swab, both being of thicker and bulkier fabric
with a ribbon that is too short, rendering them unusable by either me
or most of my students. In fact they appear to be made by the same
manufacturer, exactly the same in dimension and fabric, only having
different logos printed on them. Washing them and trying to use them
still doesn't solve the problem of getting them through the clarinet.
The Yamaha swab looks in appearance to be similar to the anniversary
Buffet swabs that I liked so much, but I have not yet tried one nor
have any of my students as they are rather expensive ($21.00 in the
local music store). I have a Gem silk swab and the problem I have
with it is it just doesn't seem to be absorbent enough (although I
think black looks nice onstage...). What is being used as well as
recommended to students by Klarinetists?