Klarinet Archive - Posting 000293.txt from 1995/05

From: David Gilman <dagilman@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: swabing the mouthpiece
Date: Mon, 8 May 1995 12:32:50 -0400

>Hi
>I have a question for everyone. I've heard over and over that
>you are not supposed to run the swab through the mouthpiece. It damages
>the mouthpiece. What I'm wondering is what damage is done and why?
>I don't dispute that is does damage but I was wondering if someone out
>there with more experience than me could explain for me.
>Thanks,
>
> Sean
>
>
Sean,

My own teacher told me about a year ago never to do that because eventually
it would carve a little groove down the mouthpiece. He urged me to make a
mouthpiece swab out of a soft piece of cloth with no cord attached. He also
recommends putting an old reed on the mouthpiece after it has been swabbed
out for storage in the case. This will protect it from chipping by
clanking against a metal mouthpiece cover.

Hope that helps.

David Gilman