 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Elkwoman46
Date: 2007-02-10 17:36
Just got it; so delighted; over 30 years old! Beautiful wood. Just beautiful, but a bit dirty, case dirty too.
What now? How can I clean this up?
I think the pads and corks do not have to be replaced; pretty good looking.
Please help me.
Thanks.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2007-02-10 20:07
Hi ElkW - As GBK pointed out in your "How to Treat" thread, the link there should provide you with plenty of help. As I often buy/receive an "old-unused" cl for putting into playing condition, I may use a bottle [test-tube] brush on the bore and external body/keys to clear "debris", and "wipe" the corks. If the body appears quite "dry" I may take off all keys/pads so I can oil the bore and exterior [lightly], check pads/replace [as needed] and re-assemble, oiling mechanisms [rods and screws], when the bore oil has been absorbed. We have discussed all of these points at length, so I'd suggest some Search/reading would be helpful to you. Glad to assist, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Elkwoman46
Date: 2007-02-10 22:26
Dear Don, thanks bunches...somehow the link in the How to Treat... thread did not work for me...
I've just left the clarinet at room temperature all afternoon while we went to run errands, but now I am ready to clean. I read here that people are suggesting "almond oil" for lubricating the interior of clarinet; I hope I can find some. It really needs a good washing, so I'll proceed carefully.
Thanks so much.
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Author: Elkwoman46
Date: 2007-02-10 23:43
Dear Don,
I did a search and did indeed find some great articles, especially one at the end of January, 2007. Thanks so much for alerting me to that; I found it very helpful.
Thanks again.
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Author: pabstboy
Date: 2007-02-11 02:16
You can find Almond oil at any big food store. It should be in the section where the Olive oil is.
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Author: Elkwoman46
Date: 2007-02-11 02:34
I just cleaned the mouthpiece (still not perfectly clean); this mouthpiece that it came with is a Vandoren B45. And I cleaned the barrel; I then put Martin Guitar Polish on it; this was the best thing I could find in my house.
I think it was fine, but I certainly believe that all you folks here have great advice and know what you are talking about...thank you! I'm just so anxious to play it, and I still have so much to do!
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Author: GBK
Date: 2007-02-11 02:42
pabstboy wrote:
> You can find Almond oil at any big food store.
> It should be in the section where the Olive oil is.
Almond oil?
Proceed with extreme caution and read the past postings by L. Omar Henderson...GBK
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Author: Elkwoman46
Date: 2007-02-11 04:06
Well, I feel really dumb. This clarinet came with oil and I have just gotten to the point to use it for the keys and it says LeBlanc bore oil. Do I take it to mean this is the stuff for the wood? Wow, I just can't believe it, right in front of my face and I have been making myself crazy. This is for the wood, yes?
Thanks again.
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Author: Elkwoman46
Date: 2007-02-11 04:49
Well, I played it!!!! YES! Oh my!!! It sounds beautiful! And truly, the other one I had, if I didn't play it for a while, I had to really use power to get the first notes...this Normandy 4 is a whole other matter. I was practically playing a scale the first time I blew on it. Really.
What a delight.
I'm on a cloud.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2007-02-11 05:02
Leblanc bore oil is petroleum based mineral oil (baby oil).
There are MANY opinions about oiling the bore of the clarinet and we have had numerous discussions, both pro and con, with no clear answer.
However, if you DO decide to oil your clarinet, a better choice might be a natural plant derived oil, as was originally used at the time of manufacture ...GBK
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2007-02-11 13:49
Hi Again, ElkW - GBK is correct in suggesting caution in bore oil treatment to an "elderly" wood cl, and yes, many opinions. Dr Henderson has studied these issues more completely than most of us, and we regard his "Doctor's Products" as best, bore oil, key oil, cork grease and cleaning liquids. I use an [oxidation-protected] almond or apricot oil [light application], and keep it in our refrigerator for added protection, and have not had any problems. Others may disagree. I also use plain [colorless] vinegar for mp cleaning with careful light brushing, and have a lifetime supply of key oil, to which I add a few drops of "motor oil", again some disagreement. So, my general advice is to NOT do anything "radical", and ask such questions and report findings if of consequence. Best of luck [in our jungle !] Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: leonardA
Date: 2007-02-12 03:48
I have used The Doctor's Products (listed under sponsors on the board) to great success. The bore oil, a clarinet cleaning solution and cork grease. You can't go wrong with these. As for the case, I use Amorall wipes for the exterior and fabreze and sunlight for the interior. Congratulations on the new arrival.
Leonard
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