 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Mike B.
Date: 2000-11-11 16:45
I recently acquired a Silver King metal clarinet with leather pads. The pads are old, but in good shape. Unfortunately they are dirty, and a little sticky from sitting around for a number of years.
My question is: What would you use to clean the pads? Is a normal water based cleaner Ok, or is something like WD40 better to use?
By the way, this clarinet sounds and plays great.
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Author: Fred
Date: 2000-11-11 17:23
I'm no help with your leather pads, but I'm glad you are enjoying your Silver King! I felt like slapping the young instrument tech that suggested I make a lamp out of mine . . . he is in his 20's and his total knowledge about metal clarinets wouldn't fill a register vent. I've got three great Buffets, but my Silver King is special.
By the way . . . one thing to watch out for on older metal instruments is pad clearances. Sometimes the corks have fallen off or crumbled away, and you just wouldn't BELIEVE how sharp a throat tone can be if the pads are too high.
Have Fun!
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Author: ron b.
Date: 2000-11-12 01:33
If the pads are in good shape, Mike, you can probably clean them adequately with a clean, slightly moistened, piece of flannel or any soft 'lintless' cloth. If the pads are kid skin you might try a tiny amount of saddle soap. Don't try to scrub, just rub lightly to get the 'sticky' off. I'd also clean the metal where the pads seat. WD-40 will work but it's generally a *last resort* (extreme) measure. I'd advise against it. Then, I'd follow Fred's advice and check the corks for pad clearance. Otherwise I wouldn't do anything except enjoy playing it. From all I've read here, Silver King is a decent horn.
ron b.
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Author: Willie
Date: 2000-11-12 01:47
I don't recomend WD-40 for this as it will wash away any of the natural oils that are in the leather. Also it has a very mild acid in it. I recently tried a cleaner I found in the shoe department of Walmart made by Kiwi. It comes in a 4oz. glass jar and it worked great on an old sax I picked up. I suspect it may be repackaged saddle soap as that is what it looks and smells like. I usually buy saddle soap in big tubs out at the horse auction real cheap but was out of it when I decided to tackle the sax. So far, so good.
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