Klarinet Archive - Posting 001016.txt from 1998/09

From: CEField@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Playing in the rain :(
Date: Sat, 26 Sep 1998 12:15:32 -0400

In a message dated 9/26/98 5:00:25 AM, you wrote:

<<Will the band director pay for those instruments to be cleaned, so they
don't acquire mold?>>

I have to chuckle when I see references to mold. My first "clarinet rescue"
was a wood clarinet that came from the dump. The instrument was COVERED with
mold, in the bore, outside the bore, on the keys, as well as inside the case.
You could SEE the mycelium (moldy fuzz).

Figuring I had nothing to lose, I disassembled the clarinet and used a
bleach/water solution to clean the instrument several times. When I was
finished, the instrument looked new, played wonderfully well (and in tune
even), and also SMELLED great. The case received the proper burial it
deserved.

I am writing this only to reduce "fear of fungus." I would not abuse a wood
clarinet but mold is probably the least of the problems you will encounter
playing in the rain. I would be most concerned about pads, as others have
mentioned -- and, potentially, corrosion of springs.

Cindy

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