 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Herb
Date: 2001-04-06 03:54
The top joint bore is coated with a scummy dark film. From moisture Con densation I suppose. The reg. extension that goes in to the bore causes a bridge for the swab so it really never touches that area of the bore but what about the rest? The scum is fairly soft any ideas on how to remove this with out damaging the bore.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2001-04-06 06:02
Hi, Herb -
Do you brush you teeth before playing? Is the instrument wood, plastic or metal? Where do you live? How long has this been going on that you're aware of?
- ron b -
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-04-06 12:55
If it is soft and solid it sounds like either semi-digested food or skin cells from the mouth lining via saliva. None of these should even enter the clarinet!
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-04-06 13:09
Is this a wooden horn? Then the suggestion may be applicable; FOLLOW FREE ADVICE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
This is routinely handled by qualified repair, so if you're heading to the shop they can handle this.
If (like me) you're too cheap to pay for the cleanup, you could swab with nail polish remover (acetone) to clean out the bore.
When satisfied that the bore is clean, apply a fresh coat of your favorite Bore oil.
I use Almond oil (see Cheap, above) on a dedicated pull swab.
If this is just the result some years playing, I don't see what the big deal is.
If this came on quickly, it seems a little odd.
To summarize;
* Swab, disassemble and properly store the horn in its case after EVERY use.
* Go to the repair tech annually.
* Use a little Nail polish remover (dilute acetone solution) to clean things.
anji
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-04-06 14:10
The visual image is too disgusting for words. After following Anji's advice, keep up a good routine of swabbing after every practice--like brushing after every meal. And above all, don't eat while playing your instrument.
Gordon's visual of semi-digested food and skin cells from the mouth will be hard for me to forget! It reminded me of dinner time with my husband and sons when the boys were still at home and some of the conversations that would "come up" right as the first bite went into my mouth. And remember, moms don't get a hot meal until the kids are at least 12.
But, seriously--food and clarinets don't make compatible partners. Take that clarinet to a repair shop and have it cleaned and keep it clean when you get it home.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2001-04-06 17:11
I would suggest using bore oil on a not-too-stiff "bottle" brush, likely several applications to wash out the crud, then follow up with almond or apricot oil to re-oil the bore. I would be cautious in using "severe" solvents such as nail polish remover [or other ketones, or aromatics such as benzene/toluene/xylenes].. Some repair shops offer a hot oil treatment, I had an old oboe well restored to near-new wood condition , somewhat lengthy and costly, well worthwhile in my case. We discussed this subject earlier, "Search the Phorum" for it. Don
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2001-04-06 18:37
I would second Don's comments and also not use "severe" solvents such as acetone which will suck the oil out of the wood and unless well retreated will offer a porus surface to attract more crud. A severe life-style change is in order not to repeat the onerous condition. We have discussed oils and oiling many times but when given a soapbox I will reiterate my feelings about using a mixture of natural oils with emulsifiers and the proper antioxidants which duplicate and restore the oil and water balance of the wood. The hot oil treatment aids in the penetrration of the oils used but this penetration of oil can also be achieved by using the proper mixture of oils and emulsifiers to maintain a particle or colloid size which will fully penetrate the wood. Certain of these special antioxidants also have bacteriostatic and fungistatic properties which help prevent or inhibit the growth of bacteria and molds to a certain extent - certainly not the one described above however. If you ever have the urge to play right after eating I would paste a copy of Gordon's response to the inside of my case and this should dissuade you from doing it!!
The Doctor
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2001-04-06 19:02
Well said Doctor L O H, after eating [before playing], if at all possible, I at least use my "Water-Pick" to clear the "decks" . On restoring somebody's old wood horn, I will do a bit of "soft" dry brushing which frequently is sufficient to gain some bore-shine, before a natural oil treatment. Take care! Don
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2001-04-07 01:46
You can buy a register vent removing tool for clarinet and oboe from Feree's tools. They are very handy for polishing the bore of the upper joint. I suggest taking it to a repairer who should be able to do it for you. It is not a big job.
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Author: Bill
Date: 2001-04-07 10:17
If you oil the bore, maybe an accumulation of oil in this area exacerbated the buildup of crud.
I use raw linseed oil (not boiled) on one of my wooden flutes since it is required by the maker for the lifetime warranty. However, it does seem to stay a bit sticky, but I can I can easily swab the flute since there are no obstructions in the bore.
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2001-04-07 14:21
Just read an interesting article from The Wood Products Laboratory, U.S. National Forestry Service, Madison Wisconsin - it was excerpted in the Wood Workers Magazine, May edition. It indicates that Linseed Oil should not be used in damp environments as a wood preservative because it forms a natural nutritional source for the growth of mold and mildew. They indicate that if linseed oil or fruit and nut oils are used in damp environments (I would argue that the inside of the bore of a woodwind instrument fits this bill) that they be supplemented with moldicide and fungicides to discourage the growth of these organisms. They also indicate that surface cleaning is often inadequate because of the mycelli (little thread-like roots) that penetrate the surface film) and can regenerate the organism even after the surface has been cleaned. One key element is to keep the humidity below the threshold that allows mold growth - a delicate balancing act for all of us to keep enough but not too much humidity in the case or the playing environment of the horn.
The Doctor
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Author: Bob Curtis
Date: 2001-04-10 01:35
What is the old saying -- "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?" Seems like that really applies in this case. Some individuals thing I am silly, but I STILL SWAB out my older instrument after EVERY time I play it, and I still have an old chamois swab.
Bob Curtis
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