Klarinet Archive - Posting 000311.txt from 1995/05

From: Neil Leupold <Neil_Leupold@-----.COM>
Subj: Swabbing the mouthpiece
Date: Fri, 19 May 1995 06:37:47 -0400

intouch Reply 5/8/95
Subject:Swabbing the mouthpiece 6:06 PM
On this subject, I adapt the same argument which Clark Fobes uses for the
potential effects that years of swabbing out one's clarinet may have (if I'm
remembering his caution correctly):

There is friction between the swab and the chamber of the mouthpiece. Since
the contour and dimensions of the mouthpiece are so crucial to its particular
sound-producing properties, it would seem tremendously risky to drag anything
through it on a frequent basis, for the friction could possibly alter the shape
and dimensions of the chamber (made of hard rubber) over time, thus altering
the basic identity of the mouthpiece. If you've got an older Kaspar or
Chedeville, the whole idea is to preserve those qualities which make these
mouthpieces so unique in their quality of sound. This argument applies to any
and every mouthpiece which has a particular sound or response that you like.

I certainly wouldn't make a habit of dragging a regular cloth swab through
one's mouthpiece, for these swabs are the most abrasive on the market. I
wonder if the silk swabs would be less of a risk, since the silk is much
smoother and less likely to create as much friction against the inner chamber.
It seems that the best solution would be to occasionally run water through the
mouthpiece, although the question then arises about the temperature of the
water. I've heard stories about hot (or even warm) water turning one's
mouthpiece different colors, much like what happens when a hard rubber
mouthpiece is exposed to the hot sun for extended periods of time.

- Neil

   
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