Klarinet Archive - Posting 000434.txt from 2003/09

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Pads deteriorating quickly
Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2003 11:36:47 -0400

In a message dated 9/16/2003 10:02:57 AM Eastern Daylight Time, dhatfield@-----.org writes:

> And I
> have a Leblanc A clarinet that's about 60 years old I'm about to rebuild,
> it's been in a closet in a college equipment area for probably 25 of those,
> and the wood appears to be no different than that on my Buffets that are
> played regularly. Do any of you folks, like Walter or
> Clark, suggest anything about "to oil or not to oil" on older instruments?>>

I have become a convert for "oil immersion therapy" for really old instruments. For example, I bought a really old Buffet bass clarinet on eBay awhile back. Although the instrument had not been abused, it was so dry that the wood had a faded orange color. I have been soaking it in oil preparatory to restoring it. Similarly, this year I have been sent a couple of old 1920's era clarinets (wrap around octave key, etc.) These went in the oil bath as well.

A clarinet that was kept in a closet for 25 years might qualify.

I will agree with many people in that most oiling is unnecessary, and probably does more damage than good. I would suggest that Vic was overdoing it a tad.

If I do oil a clarinet, I take all the keys off, let the instrument set for at least a day with the oil on/in it, then wipe it all down. You never want to get oil on the pads. At the very least, it makes them sticky.

Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com
clarinet repairs and restorations

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