Klarinet Archive - Posting 000861.txt from 1998/02

From: "Gene Nibbelin" <gnibbelin@-----.com>
Subj: Re: key finish
Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 00:57:00 -0500

JTT -

Since my old clarinets were a dull nickle-silver (so called German silver),
when I began shopping for new horns, I looked for the same, thinking that
"shiney" doesn't mean much. However, I soon found that professional models
come either nickel plated or silver plated. I have to tell you that those
two new silver plated "Concertos" really look sharp and since they are
highly polished, I sure that this makes them play better.

Haven't you heard that polished cars actually run better -- the clean car
syndrome.

Seriously, I have found, to my surprise, that the smoothness of the silver
plating facilitates ones technique and not just in the case of the
occasional necessary "slide". And, I don't think that it is my
imagination.

If you really want to mess up the surface of the keys, battery acid will do
it, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Gene Nibbelin

----------
> From: JTTrombley@-----.com
> To: klarinet@-----.us
> Subject: key finish
> Date: Monday, February 23, 1998 4:21 PM
>
> Hello all!
>
> I am new to the list and have a question. I hope it doesn't sound
foolish!
> I have a R13 Bb clarinet around 20 years old and just purchased a 3 yr.
old
> R13 A.
> The key plating on my Bb is a dull, greyish color which I find visually
> appealing. The newer A clarinet has shiney keys (which annoy me!). Is
there
> any way to oxidize or dull the finish on the keys, or do I have to wait
20 or
> more years? Some of you probably think I'm off my rocker, but I do
prefer an
> antique look.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jerry Trombley 8^)

   
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