 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: stevensfo
Date: 2003-06-12 06:11
Hi,
Still very much a beginner, I'm very pleased with my plastic clarinet. I've read a lot about care of wooden clarinets but what about plastic?
I assume, rightly or wrongly, that it requires no special treatment. I never take it apart and store it lying on its side. Is there anything I should be doing to look after it?
Oh, and thanks to the person who recommended the Klose book. It's amazing!
Steve
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: clarinetgiggirl
Date: 2003-06-12 07:09
I am no expert, but I think that it is probably a good idea to take it apart regularly and swab it. If you leave it fully assembled all of the time, this could have a detrimental effect on the tenon corks. Also, swabbing may help to protect the pads.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2003-06-12 11:08
Don't put it on a couch or bed, because people sit on these items without looking. Sit on a plastic clarinet and it will break in half.
A hard knock to a key can knock a post out of a plastic clarinet.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Pam H.
Date: 2003-06-12 11:24
You should very lightly oil the keys about once a month. Anyplace there is a screw.
I find that I get moisture even in the joints, so it would be good to take it apart when swabbing and then if you want to put it back together "ready to play" that's ok. Your corks may get compressed faster that way, but it's your choice. There was a big discussion on leaving it together or not a "few" months ago on here. I don't remember exactly when it was.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brenda
Date: 2003-06-12 11:34
Have you ever seen green stuff come out when you swab? That's proof that you should swab more regularly. Yes, definitely, you should swab before leaving the instrument to finish air drying. The above comment about the pads is true, too. You can finish off your pads pretty quickly by allowing them to stay wet.
Just a note about oiling the keys - be so careful if you do this - the oil will get into your pads and spoil them just as surely as water will. Probably this should be left to your local repair person.
Sounds like you're having a lot of fun with your instrument. Enjoy!!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: beejay
Date: 2003-06-12 13:01
I woud disagree with the suggestion to oil once a month. The oil will build up and attract dust, and eventually the keys will become stiffer. Best leave oiling to a technician. Do swab after every use.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: stevensfo
Date: 2003-06-12 13:25
"Have you ever seen green stuff come out when you swab?"
When I swab? (Slowly backs red-faced towards the door).
Will do tonight-promise!
Thanks for all the tips, and yes, I *am* enjoying myself!
Steve
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Rick Williams
Date: 2003-06-12 14:51
Hmm care and feeding of a plastic clarinet. Well, here's a few indicators on when to swab.
When you here the stuff in your clarinet singing harmony...it's time to swab!
When you whistle at your clarinet and it comes to you...then it's time to swab!
When the DNR declares your clarinet a natural widlife area...it's time to swab!
Best
RW
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: BobD
Date: 2003-06-12 16:24
Other than not having to oil the bore of a plastic horn maintenance is the same, in my opinion
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
