Klarinet Archive - Posting 000037.txt from 1998/02

From: Edinger/Gilman <wde1@-----.com>
Subj: plating and mouthplates
Date: Sun, 1 Feb 1998 14:28:43 -0500

Speaking of older intermediate instruments - my daughter (11) uses a
30-year-old Noblet which has been recently rebuilt and is in excellent
condition, but there are wear spots on some of the keys. The G#/Ab,
F/C, and right-hand ring keys all are losing their nickel plating, and I
am wondering if it would be worthwhile to have them replated. The
plating obviously protects the metal, and there is apparent
deterioration of the keys where the plating is gone, but probably not
enough to affect performance. Esthetics is of some interest too. Any
opinions on this? Can we take off just a few keys and have them
replated? Replaced?

One other thing: The first chair clarinet in our community and, a music
teacher, seems to be wearing a stainless steel "mouthpiece" over his
front upper teeth when he plays. At first it looked like he was
imitating a character from a second-rate James Bond movie, but
apparently it is a removable piece. I'm afraid to ask just yet about
this in case it's not what I think it is and I embarass myself. Has
anyone else seen or used such a device, and what is it supposed to do?
Protect the teeth or the mouthpiece? Seems like it would do more harm
than good. Or perhaps his teeth don't match and it gives him a more
even touch on the mouthpiece. Any input from out there?

Bill E.