Klarinet Archive - Posting 000139.txt from 1997/08

From: "David C. Blumberg" <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: water to clean the clarinet pads???
Date: Tue, 5 Aug 1997 20:48:29 -0400

Here's one that you just have got to shake your head in disbelief.
A new student of mine just came to his 3rd lesson (a bright guy going into
5th grade) and I was asked by his mom if it was ok to run water through his
clarinet to stop the pads from sticking. The child has a new Buffet E-11
(wooden) clarinet. I of course said NO, never run water through any part of
the Clarinet except the Mouthpiece - ONLY.
Well, his mom looked real surprised, and said "his band director told them
that was what you do if the pads stick". SO HE DID IT!!!!!!
The band director is a woodwind guy from way back, so I really doubt that
he did say those words, but that is what the kid got out of it.
I just about died when I heard those words, looked inside the bore- no
damage, no pad damage, actually, no damage at all (I played it)! I'm sure
he significantly reduced the life expectancy of those pads, but no
immediate damage - the clarinet seals. He really did put the clarinet under
running water to clean the pads. At least he dried the clarinet with his
Gem swab afterwards.
A real tale for the Grandkids.
(Do not try this at home!!!!!!)

David C. Blumberg
David C. Blumberg
reedman@-----.com