Klarinet Archive - Posting 000420.txt from 1996/12

From: "Christopher J. Thibeault" <lespaul@-----.COM>
Subj: 2 Q's - Oil and E/B lever
Date: Sun, 15 Dec 1996 10:57:06 -0500

I have two questions that I'm hoping you all could help me out with. First
of all, after I apply an oil to the exterior of my clarinet, it develops a
wonderfull deep color and a nice shine. It stays this way for a short time
after the oil is wiped off (it never has this look for more than a day). Is
there anyway I can get it to retain this look? I've tried bore-oil
(petroleum based), Vitamin E mineral oil, and olive oil, all with the same
results. My second question is about my E/B key. It works fine for the low
E, but it has a terrible response when I play the mid-line B. It doesn't
respond right away (it's usually o.k. when slurring, but it is absolutely
terrible for articulations). I have noticed that that when I press down the
key lever, the pad travels a longer distance to close that on some other
clarinets. I have had it bent before, but it only helped a little bit.
Should I have it bent some more, or possibly use a thicker pad? The sluggish
response makes playing (especially arpeggios) quite difficult. Thanks.

Christopher J. Thibeault