 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: krawfish3x
Date: 2003-07-05 00:57
in my mouthpiece there is some white build up from years and years of playing. im pretty sure this is probably from saliva. it doesnt seem to come off with just water or swabbing and i was wondering if this build-up causes damage to the mouthpiece or the sound it produces. does it?
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Author: Webby
Date: 2003-07-05 01:19
Whether or not it will affect the sound depends on just how much build up there is. If it's dirty enough, it can probably change the shape of various aspects of the mouthpiece (depending on where the build up is), which will affect the sound.
In regards to cleaning---DON'T SWAB!!! Never swab a mouthpiece. That will definitely damage the mouthpiece if you do it enough. I think there was probably a thread with lots of mouthpiece cleaning suggestions within the past several months. Perhaps others have advice on the search feature---I was entirely unsuccessful in using it!
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Author: BobD
Date: 2003-07-05 14:04
I've always assumed it is plaque just like that which deposits on your teeth
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2003-07-05 14:29
Or calcium/magnesium ?compounds? - deposits. Webby is right, we have discussed mp cleaning [ad nauseum], so before our Doc is motivated to respond, please do so!, may I suggest immersing all of the mp but the cork in regular white vinegar [5% HAc], for an hour or so, cant hurt might help! Rinse in cold water, only soft "brushing" or drying for removal. Luck, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2003-07-05 16:51
Don,
I have used the water and vinegar combination for years with great success. Agreed that this might do it and you are correct, not the cork!
HRL
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Author: CPW
Date: 2003-07-05 18:58
Ask the Doctor (Doctor's Products) under " retail" on the woodwind.org
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Author: krawfish3x
Date: 2003-07-05 21:10
how does swabbing a mouthpiece hurt it? swabbing a clarinet doesnt hurt it so how does it hurt the mouthpiece? i highly doubt that the swab is going to erode the mouthpiece, so how does it hurt it?
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Author: Webby
Date: 2003-07-06 00:30
Mouthpieces are made of a different material than clarinets (for the most part) for one thing. Along these lines, hard rubber (or plastic) are more easily pulled out of form than wood. For another, swabs are going to fit much more tightly through the mouthpiece, which will put more pressure on the mouthpiece. Finally, the details of the mouthpiece are very minute and therefore very easily altered.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2003-07-06 06:36
I think it will take a hundred of years of careful daily swabbing of a mouthpiece to significantly wear it away. You'll probably do more damage with your lips! You certainly will with the enzymes etc in your saliva.
It would have to be the worst, cheesy plastic to be actually distorted by a non-jamming swab.
This topic has been well discussed. Use 'search' for more info.
Either white vinegar or Doctor's Products for removing the calcium deposits.
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Author: krawfish3x
Date: 2003-07-07 02:00
on my sax mouthpiece, ive noticed a ring of white stuff where i place my lips. is this also calcium deposits? if it's different how do i remove this?
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2003-07-07 06:53
Try assuming it is calcium deposits first.
If the mouthpiece has nickel in the surface it could also be nickel corrosion.
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