Klarinet Archive - Posting 000579.txt from 2004/01
From: "Gene Nibbelin" <gnibbelin@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Re: [clarinet] care of clarinet
Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2004 22:43:25 -0500
Patricia & Karin -
I used to clean the moisture out of the joints by using the swab until
someone on the list pointed out that by doing that you could be picking up
excess cork grease and "crud" on the swab and subsequently scattering same
on the inside of the horn. Made sense to me so I now use Bounty heavy-duty
paper towels folded in quarters to clean the joints. It fits easily in the
case and I also use it to absorb moisture out of tone holes (anti-gurgle
treatment). Since it is so quick and easy, I can't figure why cigarette
papers seem to be used by so many. Like tissues, they can also stay stuck
to pads or in tone holes with possible weird or disastrous playing results.
Something that I don't believe has been mentioned in this discussion is that
leaving a clarinet together for longer than necessary can be a cause of
cracking.
Here is another lesson that probably has been learned by at least several on
the list. When using a strip of paper to temporarily cure a wobbly joint,
be sure that it is not glossy paper such as that used in magazines or fancy
color advertisements. I did once as a student and my teacher (who was also
an excellent technician) and I had a very difficult time getting the joint
pulled and rocked apart. Why did the joint stick? Simple - the glossy
paper contains some glue-like substances. Need I say more?
Regards,
Gene N.
-----Original Message-----
From: Patricia A. Smith [mailto:arlyss1@-----.net]
Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2004 10:48 AM
To: Karin Berman; clarinet@-----.org
Subject: [kl] Re: [clarinet] care of clarinet
Karin Berman wrote:
>I now take all the joints apart and swab additionally with a soft tissue,
every joint separately. The moisture seems to get trapped between the
joints. I then re-assemble my clarinet and let it
>rest on its side in a safe place till the next day.
>
>
Karin, congratulations for taking up an instrument. You will derive
many hours of enjoyment and pleasure from this, I assure you.
three suggestions:
1) I'd use your regular clarinet swab to dry the excess moisture between
the joints, rather than tissues. Tissues can leave unwanted residue on
corks and wood.
2) after each playing, disassemble your clarinet and place it in its
case. Though this may seem a bit much, I was leaving my clarinet on his
stand for a while, since I'm a busy mum. The keys became discolored,
and I had to do quite a bit of work to get them back to their luster.
More importantly, unwanted dust and other tiny microscopic bits can get
between the keys and into the mechanism, causing the horn not to play
well, if you, like I, live in an older home that tends to be a tad on
the dusty side. (Here's hoping you are fortunate and live in a newer
place. My home is about 60 years old and even with new air filters,
dust, and grime gunked up my horn and I had to do an extensive cleaning).
3) Launder your silk swab from time to time, using warm water and a
gentle laundry detergent. If you have a laundry bag for delicates, I'd
place the swab inside this, and put it in the machine. Otherwise, you'll
have to wash it by hand. This is to ensure that disease-causing
bacteria do not build up and cause you to become ill. Our bodies get
rid of a variety of organisms. Additionally, all sorts of bacteria can
live on a damp swab inside a case or even in the open. As I have to be
so careful with my health, I thought I'd pass this along. (Again, being
a busy mum, I can't afford to be sick but so often!)
If ever I can help, please feel free to e-mail me privately. You've
taken a fabulous step which will bring you countless hours of happiness.
Patricia A. Smith
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