 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: juan
Date: 2006-11-19 14:56
Hi my name is juan and been playing for two years now. I own a Leblanc concerto II and i've been noticing the key are not as shiny as when i got it. Open to any advice out there to keep them neat.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2006-11-19 15:09
First off, you should wipe the keys down after each playing session, with a clean, dry cloth. This helps remove sweat, oils and any acids from your skin after playing.
Your keys are probably tarnishing somewhat, as silver tends to do. Get a good silver polishing cloth and go over the keys with this. Afterwards, go over the instrument again with the clean, dry cloth.
These recommendations are from Francois Kloc on the Buffet site. They should apply the same for any fine woodwind with silver-plated keys.
Jeff
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-11-19 16:23
Do you have the wooden Leblanc case with it? I've noticed these cases do cause the silver to tarnish very quickly - I think it's either the adhesive ised or the chemicals used in the tanning process for the leather.
A silver cloth will bring back a good shine - and an old T-shirt (that's been washed in non-bio) makes a good polishing cloth as well.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2006-11-19 16:45
also, keep rubber away from the silver.
many young students have rubber pencil grips they use on the thumb rest - store these away from the clarinet keys., like in an outside pocket.
rubber bands, big rubber erasers, etc. should also be avoided around silver plated instruments.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Terry Stibal
Date: 2006-11-19 17:59
You can also purchase "silver tarnish" paper or something called a "silver tarnish cube". The former can be bought in the fine china and silver department of any high-end department store, while the latter I have only found through specialty tool suppliers like Brookstone.
Put the paper into the case, or the cube into the accessories compartment, then forget about it. I started out with the cubes (which are a bit tidier), but since the first set I've been using the paper with excellent success.
Replace it every few months (a small sized strip is all that it takes - my alto take a larger piece) and you're good to go (as the kids say these days).
leader of Houston's Sounds Of The South Dance Orchestra
info@sotsdo.com
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-11-19 19:48
The 3M anti-tarnish strips will only prevent the silver tarnishing when kept in close confinement with silver, but the silver has to be cleaned first - they won't remove any tarnish that's already there.
If you have any ebonite lined barrels or ebonite bushed toneholes these 3M strips will help reduce the sulphur from the ebonite tarnishing the silver.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: SirAdamWilliams
Date: 2006-11-19 20:28
Doing anything to your instrument on your own can be very bad. Silver polish is very messy, and your clarinet can be ruined if you use too much. Also, some warranties would count it as "altering," and unless you know what your doing, you should take it to your closest reliable store to have it replated.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-11-20 06:11
Why would you need to have it replated if it's only tarnished?
Tarnish can be removed with a silver cloth if it isn't too extensive (ie. black), and there's no need to replate tarnished plating - if the plating is worn or pitted only then is it advisable to have it replated. I don't recommend using liquid silver polish at all - especially while the keys are still on the clarinet - only polishing cloths should be used.
But even heavy tarnish can be removed using Duraglit - though I'd only use this on an instrument that's being completely overhauled and on areas of the keys where the tarnish is stubborn, as well as boiling the keys up in water with washing up liquid and aluminium foil which does a good job of cleaning all the hard to reach areas. As well as degreasing all the keys after using Duraglit to remove all the polish as it can get inside the key barrels.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2006-11-20 10:30
If the keys are silver plated (and I assume they are since it is a Concerto) you can buy a silver polish (Hagerty is good) and just use it with a soft cloth. Make sure you know what you are doing so you don't ruin something.
Have you considered the option of just not carying that the keys are not shiny? That is my solution and I never even wipe them after playing.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2006-11-20 13:38
I vote for the silver cloth and wiping down the keys after using the instrument. You should be able to shine the keys up without any polish or chemical cleaner at all with the cloth. I have removed significant tarnish on instruments that had been stored with just the cloth and a bit of old-fashioned "elbow grease."
Once you have the keys shined you can keep them in good shape with just a wipe down before putting the clarinet in its case.
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Author: martind
Date: 2006-11-20 23:59
Juan, I use "Eagle One Original Never-Dull Wading Polish" successfully.
I bought it locally but can't remember the source.....a good hardware store may stock it......if not, try Eagle One Industries, Carlsbad, CA on the web.
Good luck,
Martin
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