The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: beejay
Date: 2000-08-11 11:17
There have been discussions about this in the past, so I would suggest you consult the archives here. Also search the Internet for silver care. The American society of silversmiths (or something like that) has a detailed guide to silver care. I remember reading that museums use an alcohol-based cleaner for cleaning delicate old silver. You might want to call your local museum restoration department and share the results with us. I have always read that using silver-cleaning cloths and creams is not good for clarinets. Personally, I dip a silver cleaning cloth (Haggarty's) into a transparent film canister filled with distilled water until the water is barely pink. I use this mixture to rub off (lightly) any tarnish with a cotton bud, then immediately clean with plain distilled water and polish with a jeweller's cloth. I believe that tarnish is caused by sulphur in the atmosphere, which means that you should keep anything rubber -- elastic bands, pencil erasers, etc. -- out of your clarinet case. Hiroshi's mention of anti-tarnish strips is a good one. I only wish I could find them here in Europe.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2000-08-11 15:02
Interesting discussion, yes, I agree rubbing {isopropyl C3H7OH -DONT drink it!!} alcohol is good for dust and oil cleaning of silver, at room temp., briefly, but keep it off the pads, it might damage them! Also bear in mind that the silver polishes DO remove silver [as the black sulfide etc] so be cautious or replate! Use the anti-tarnish strips, but not in touch with silver surfaces. Moderation! Don
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Author: Willie
Date: 2000-08-11 22:55
I would like to add that the use of "silver dips" such as used for spoons, forks, etc. should be avoided. Most of these cause severe rust on your springs (steel) and then they will just start falling off (expensive). Maybe some of our clarinet playing chemists came elaborate us what the solution consists of and if there is a neuralizer.
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2000-08-17 01:56
To BeeJay:I think WWandBW sells 3M's anti tarnish strips.
There is an electro-chemical method:lukewarm water,aluminum sheet for cooking,and baking powder. It is like a miracle.
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