 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: miclew
Date: 2011-12-16 18:34
Is there anything I need to know regarding caring for a wood clarinet? My old clarinet was resonite. I wiped it out right after playing it. Do I need to oil the wood? (inside? outside? both?)
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2011-12-16 19:21
There is a multitude of information on many aspects burried on this board..
However a brief summary
Always warm up to room temp before playing - never blow into a really cold horn.
Swab out regularly
Dry out the sockets after use and leave clarinet disassembled
OIL - this is a contentious issue - search the board however I am firm believer in oiling bore but frequency depends on age of instrument, use, state of wood etc..
If this is a new instrument then break it in gently i.e. do not play for too long at a time and swab during session.
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Author: miclew
Date: 2011-12-16 20:31
Thank you, Norman. I will try and search the board for more info. This is an old clarinet, 1940s-1950s. I just bought it. It is in good shape though. I knew it is important to keep it swabbed out and dry but I wasn't sure if the wood inside is coated (poly?) or if it is open wood that needs to be oiled.
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Author: epssax
Date: 2011-12-18 01:17
Keep the bore oiled. It also helps the spit to run down the 'back' of the clarinet and away from the pads. Grease the corks every other time you assemble it. Not too much. I put minute amount on my fingers and rub it in on every joint. Also, oil the keys at the friction points once a month. Swab out after playing.
Been playing clarinet 53 years. Studied with Jim Elliott and James Livingston in Louisville. Been a professional musician 51 years. Play a Buffet R-13. Also play a Buffet tenor sax, Martin Baritone sax, Jupiter also sax. www.thecountryclarinet.com
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2011-12-18 18:02
Norman's statement on bore oil is right on.
I use Doctor's Grenadoil. He's a chemist, figured out the composition of the natural oil in grenadilla wood, and manufactures it. I apply it until the bore is saturated (there is still a film of liquid oil in the bore after 24 hours from application). I do this when condensation starts to be a problem in the tone holes.
I showed my symphony pro teacher my beautiful, shiny bore --from the Grdadoil, and he said, "So what? I never oil my clarinets." ( I take his advice on EVERYTHING else. )
Bob Phillips
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