Klarinet Archive - Posting 000198.txt from 1997/02

From: Jrykorten@-----.com
Subj: Re: Clarinet Mouthpiece Cheese
Date: Fri, 7 Feb 1997 15:59:19 -0500

On Feb 6th Frank Garcia Writes:

>I have a wierd question. Some of my students have expressed their disgust
>at the appearance of my mouthpiece which has a white, chalky ring around
>it. I joke around about it with them, calling it "barnacles" and "cheese".
>I Have never been able to get totally rid of this stuff. I have tried
>scraping it, vibrating it in a jewelry cleaner and plain old soaking in
>soap & water, but none seems to do the trick. Any suggestions? Are there
>any chemicals I could use that are non-abrasive, won't discolor the
>mouthpiece and won't kill me?

>Frank Garcia

Careful if you immerse in hot water you will permanently discolor a hard
rubber mouthpiece!

Have you tried a solution of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water? These are most likely
mineral deposits (similar to calculus on teeth).

Jerry Korten
NYC