Klarinet Archive - Posting 000895.txt from 1998/02

From: "Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: ITS A FACT (3)
Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998 00:27:47 -0500

On Tue, 24 Feb 1998, avrahm galper wrote:

> 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.

There might be several advantages to this practice, but today the
procedure would be different. In the case of bassoons, it is common to
put melted parafin on the center of the pad, being careful not to let it
extend out as far as the indentation made by the edge of the hole. The
reason for this is that the pad itself may be porous, and therefore air
can leak through the pad itself. A sealant on the edge of the pad might
have the same effect. But, I personally would not recommend either
procedure to anyone who is not experienced in doing so. This sort of
thing is best left to an expert and experienced repair person.

> 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!)

All the advice I have ever heard concerning this subject is precisely the
opposite of the above. I'm quite sure it is best NOT to use a chemically
treated cleaning cloth on the keys of any woodwind. The problem is that
whatever chemicals are involved can get on the pads, thereby accelerating
their deterioration and eventual demise.

Ed Lacy
*****************************************************************
Dr. Edwin Lacy University of Evansville
Professor of Music 1800 Lincoln Avenue
Evansville, IN 47722
el2@-----.edu (812)479-2754
*****************************************************************