Klarinet Archive - Posting 000174.txt from 1997/02

From: "Robt. Walzel" <aqrlw@-----.EDU>
Subj: Mouthpiece cleaning
Date: Fri, 7 Feb 1997 11:08:58 -0500

Although it sounds rather disgusting, one of the most effective and least
abrasive things I have used to clean mouthpieces is the bathroom cleaner
Lime-A-Way. The active chemical ingredients react with with the depostis on
the mouthpiece but have no effect on the rubber material that the
mouthpiece is is made of. Try placing just a drop on the area you want to
clean and lightly rub it into the deposits with a pencil tip (the pencil
tip will not damage the facing). Watch in amazement as those nasty deposits
desolve. Be sure to rinse the mouthpiece thoroughly with water because
these are strong chemicals which are dangerous if not completely rinsed
off.

There is a slight discoloration, but not as much as if you use something
that is more acidic. If the discoloration really bothers you, take the
mouthpiece to a repairman you trust and have him lightly buff it and it
will look like new. There is inherent risk in buffing a mouthpiece and
personally I don't think is worth it. For some reason, mouthpieces always
play better after I have cleaned them in this way (and I clean mine once a
year even if it doesn't look like it needs it). Good Luck!

Robert Walzel, Festival Coordinator - ClarinetFest '97
Texas Tech University School of Music
PO Box 42033 Lubbock, TX 79409-2033
ph#806-742-2270 FAX#806-742-2294
ClarinetFest '97 http://www.ttu.edu/~music/clarinetfest