Klarinet Archive - Posting 001117.txt from 1997/12
From: mipresc@-----.edu (Steve Prescott) Subj: Re: cleaning mouthpieces Date: Wed, 31 Dec 1997 11:19:13 -0500
Cleaning mouthpieces with alcohol is a rather dangerous proposition if you
are unaware of the composition of the mouthpiece. Some mouthpieces are made
of plastic and some plastics craze (hair-line cracks) when even near
alcohol fumes.
The vinegar soak mentioned is the easiest and safest route to take. Though
why the person stated not to immerse the cork, I can't say. I've soaked a
mouthpiece in vinegar and dipped it in muriatic acid water solution (14
parts water, 1 part acid - and add the acid to the water to avoid a
chemical explosion) and found it to have no effect on the cork.
Peroxide is also a good cleaner for reeds as well as mouthpieces. Rinse
well after cleaning!
Steve
Steve Prescott
Instrument Rep.Tech./ Clarinetist
Indiana State University
mipresc@-----.edu
|