Klarinet Archive - Posting 000004.txt from 1997/05

From: Christopher G Zello <czello@-----.edu>
Subj: Moldy cases
Date: Thu, 1 May 1997 10:17:24 -0400

In reference to the stinky saxophone which someone picked up and still
smelled on your hands 20 minutes later. . . It goes to show you that
mold can also penetrate lacquer on saxes. The simpliest way to remove
mold, and the smell it causes is to replace the case (simply buy a new
one) and get a complete overhaul (and get the saxphone relacquered).

Other solutions seem to mask the problem, some more effectively than
others. In the repair shop where I work we have had success with
spraying Fresh Scent Lysol in the case lining, and then blowing it out
with compressed air. It kills the mold (usually).

The other thing to check for are "pad mites." Yes, critters that live in
the pads. Ever seen a pad eaten? It happens. It is best just to
replace all the pads, since the tiny bugs will live in the pad felt, eat
a good meal. Some live in the case lining. Disgusting, but true.

Keep your instruments out of basements and garages with a lot of moisture
in the air.

Christopher Zello

czello@-----.edu
http://www.stritch.edu/~czello