 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Rebecca
Date: 2002-01-29 11:49
When and how often should I put bore oil on a clarinet. I own a E13 Buffet and I have been given many different bits of advice. So any input would be helpful. Thanks.
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2002-01-29 13:14
How would you like a crystal clear answer - it depends. First, follow the instructions from the manufacturer to preserve your warranty, Second - it depends on your particular set of environmental conditions - temperature, humidity, playing time, etc.. Advice of your trusted technician for your area is important too. Bore oil is meant to replentish, not over induldge the oil content of the wood created at manufacture. Like key oiling, it should be done sparingly and not on a frequent basis. This is a debated topic and you should look back through the posts and then make up your own mind. Different oil formulations dictate different application schedules and therefore you should use the manufacturer's recommendations about the particular oil used - except (IMHO) you should never use clear mineral oil as sold for bore oil by some companies.
The Doctor
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Author: terry
Date: 2002-01-29 17:46
I agree with Omar on this.
some informative white papers may be found at
http://naylors-woodwind-repair.com
This is a very controversial topic. I believe the items
that there is general agreement on is:
1. new equipment. follow your manufacturer's warrentee
requirements religiously
2. bore oils that are not "organic", namely the petroleum
based versions are not likely to do much good.
3. local ambient humidity lower than X rH should be
a concern and you should look into humidification.
(the "X" varies, I use 50).
Based on my readings of NAPRIT and ICA, I do the
following on my non-new Clarinets.
1. when I first get them, I clean them, then oil with
organic oils
2. wait 1 day, if the oil is absorbed re-oil.
3. repeat until absorbsion is stopped.
4. keep humidity in the case over 30 rH
5. oil about 3 times a year if weather is dry.
Unlike my teacher and a couple of symphony chairs I know,
I have never had a crack. I know that this is not statistically
definitive.
hope this helps!
terry
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Author: Laura
Date: 2002-01-29 19:03
I heard you should oil it once a month for a year if the clarinet is brand new. Then after the year, oil every season change.
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Author: jbutler
Date: 2002-01-29 22:41
Laura,
Oiling your clarinet in the first year will probably void any warranty, especially once a month. Follow Omar's advice...after all he's the Doctor.
jbutler
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-01-31 17:13
My 2¢ worth on this perpetual topic is that a clarinet should be oiled when it needs to be oiled. My next new clarinet will have its mass checked when new and periodically thereafter on a *very accurate and high resolution* balance, to try to detect any significant evaporation from the instrument. If water is lost, I will not try to rehumidify the thing, because I do believe oil of the proper type is better for the wood than water. Especially if the instrument is ever allowed to get close to the freezing point of water, when water expansion might cause cracking. Oil used to replace lost water won't do that.
I keep on my desk (as a horrible example) a small bottle of "Selmer Bore Oil No. 2935." It is described as "nontoxic mineral oil," which is very dissimilar to the wood's native oil. Hence, in my view and the views of many other knowledgeable people, it is unsatisfactory. I know of only one supplier out there who specializes in a product especially formulated for woodwind oiling. It's the one I now use to the exclusion of anything else, having become convinced that it is most likely the best.
Unfortunately, during the instrument's warranty period, you are stuck with doing as you are told, rather than following reasonable courses of action. But if your instrument dries out enough to have the rings loosen and fall off, it surely could use oil.
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