Klarinet Archive - Posting 000893.txt from 1998/02

From: avrahm galper <agalper@-----.com>
Subj: ITS A FACT (3)
Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998 22:13:53 -0500

ITS A FACT (3)

These FACTS are taken from the CLARINET, a symphony quarterly that
appeared in the early 50s and are the opinions of various prominent
players and teachers at the time.

Thumb rests can be made comfortable by twisting them to the Right
sufficiently to eliminate pressure from the Right edge of the rest.
They are purposely made slightly curved so that the smooth center of the
curve should bear the burden of the weight.
************
A loose fitting barrel can affect the playing of the clarinet as
adversely as a leaking pad. Make surethat corks fit snugly and keep them
well greased.
If a cork is loose, there is a way of thickening it (temporarily). Get a
flat spatula. Have a flamenearby so that you warm the up the spatula.
Wet the cork with water, heat the spatula on the flame and then lightly
press the spatula against the damp cork. It will hiss a bit but the cork
will swell a bit. Make sure to go around all the cork.
Remember, this is temporary.Get the cork changed. Some repairmen like to
make a curve in the middle of the cork, sort of a"belly." This wears out
fast. Have your favorite repairman put a cork on thatis level, straight
across. No curve or"belly".
****************
To preserve big pads on the keys for the low notes, coat their edges
with transparent nail polish. The edge of these pads wear out by being
brushed against clothing or in the case.
**************
The keys of your clarinet can be kept clean and shining with a
chemically treated cloth for polishing silver, which can be bought at
most house furnishing stores for half a dollar.(this is 1950!)

Avrahm Galper
THE UPBEAT BAERMANN MELODIC SCALES
CLARINET MOUTHPIECE TONE ENHANCERS

http://www.sneezy.org/avrahm_galper/index.html