Klarinet Archive - Posting 000385.txt from 2003/01

From: "Patricia A. Smith" <patricia@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: [k] Boosey and Hawkes
Date: Sun, 19 Jan 2003 17:24:59 -0500

Keith wrote:

> After that long, your clarinet is probably pretty dry anyway. I'd just
> clean and oil the bore. Oil will shine up the outer surface too, but to
> do this properly you need to remove the keys so that you can get at the
> wood, and buff the keys to polish them. A routine overhaul is a good
> idea. Try Kolacny Music in Broadway, Denver; there are better and dearer
> places, but your need is pretty routine.
>

Yes, you definitely want to REGULARLY bore oil an older horn like this
one, since those were the bad old days before the "treated wood" we see
now that doesn't require regular oiling. I remember back then, when I
had to take out my old Signet Soloist and oil it every month or two -
and I lived in Northern Virginia.

In San Diego, it is about as dry as where you are, maybe even moreso.
I'd also make sure to oil the keys with the right oil and one of those
little needle things, so they don't seize up on you when you are playing.

Make sure you take the horn to the repairman Keith suggested, and get it
checked, so you can ensure everything is in good order, and get good
care suggestions. A list such as this, though excellent, is no
substitute for having a reputable repair tech actually look at the horn,
as you no doubt know. Congratulations on your find. I'm sure it's an
excellent horn and you will get a wonderful sound out of it.

On a different tack, what kind of setup will you use with it?

Patricia Smith

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