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