Klarinet Archive - Posting 000265.txt from 1996/05

From: Steve Fowler <sfowler@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Clarinet plating rubbing off
Date: Sat, 11 May 1996 13:11:18 -0400

> Steven wrote about the nickel plating on his clarinet keys coming off:
> >Would you recommended that I simply get it replatted with nickel every
> >few years, or is there another substance, such as silver, that will last
> >significantly longer?
>
> First of all, are you sure that the nickel is physically rubbing off or is
> it just tarnishing? If it's just tarnishing, then it's pretty easy (if
> costly) to have the keys cleaned by a repairman. Tarnish can look kind of
> coppery, so double check. In fact, it's more likely that that's the case.
>
> Let's assume that the nickel really is deteriorating...
>
> If you think you'll own the clarinet for many more years, I think it would
> be a sound investment to look into silver-plating the keys (but I admit I
> wasn't aware this was possible). One of the reasons many people like silver
> keys is because they doesn't corrode as easily as nickel.
>
> Some people's hands react more actively with nickel than others, so maybe
> silver is the way to go for you. A repairman would be happy to take a look
> at the instrument and give you more sound advice. You'll first want to make
> sure you're really talking about corroding, though, and not tarnishing.
>
> --Nate
>

Nate has some good points. Some people do attack nickel more than
silver and visa-versa. If it's time for an overhaul anyway, have the
instrument plated. Silver plate is not as slippery as nickel. Most
players seem to prefer that.

Steve

Steve Fowler (sfowler@-----.com)