Klarinet Archive - Posting 000106.txt from 2010/09

From: "Bill Hausmann" <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Cleaning mouthpiece deposits
Date: Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:50:53 -0400


> -----Original Message-----
> From: fred jacobowitz
> Subject: Re: [kl] Cleaning mouthpiece deposits
>
> I'd like to add my $.02 FWIW. My old rubber mouthpiece didn't change
> color until I did some street playing and it was exposed to sunlight
> and heat. While it didn't warp, the rubber DID oxidize, which gave it
> a greenish tinge. It also gave it (temporarily) a yucky rubbery
> taste. I have seen rubber mouthpieces that turned a shade of tan,
> except where the ligature was - kind of like tan lines from a bathing
> suit! I'm sure the difference in color was due to a slightly
> different rubber composition.

Yes, when they discolor, the sulphur in the vulcanized rubber is freed up.
That is the nasty taste and smell. The shade probably varies by both rubber
composition and the amount of exposure to sun and heat. The ligature marks
are neat, though, and truly are "tan lines."

>
> As for dental plaque, I get that on my mouthpiece al the time. I've
> found that soaking it overnight in denture cleaner did the trick
> nicely. I wouldn't scrape anything if I were you. you might actually
> damage something. I wouldn't be surprised if soaking in vinegar would
> work well too. For that matter, I wonder if brushing it every day or
> two with a toothbrush and toothpaste wouldn't take care of the
> problem, once the initial plaque is removed.
>
> Fred Jacobowitz

I would recommend against toothpaste only because it has abrasives. If you
wash, or even just rinse, your mouthpiece before putting it away every time,
you won't get any buildup to worry about.

Bill Hausmann

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!

_______________________________________________
Klarinet mailing list
Klarinet@-----.com
To do darn near anything to your subscription, go to:
http://klarinet-list.serve-music.com

   
     Copyright © Woodwind.Org, Inc. All Rights Reserved    Privacy Policy    Contact charette@woodwind.org