 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: tenthchair
Date: 2008-06-26 09:28
I own this instrument (in A) less than 9 months, and the keys are beginning to lose its luster. The keys of the Opus II give off this distinct smell similar to my cousin's beginning Yamaha flute, which has lost its shiny appearance. I have a nickel plated Bb Buffet and the keys are shinier than the Opus. I have had this Buffet Bb clarinet for more than 5 years, and I played it more often than the Opus II A clarinet.
I have always thought that silver keys won't discolor compared to nickel plated keys. The Opus II plays fine, but my hands smells like metal after playing on it.
Does anybody own an Opus II and have this same problem?
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2008-06-26 12:24
Apparently, in the process of editing my post, I inadvertently made a new one, instead. ![[huh]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie11.gif)
Post Edited (2008-06-26 12:25)
Post Edited (2008-06-26 12:39)
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2008-06-26 12:36
I don't have an Opus II but I think the first thing I would look for, in your circumstances, is something rubber in the case. Do you have a hard-rubber mouthpiece that might be out-gassing sulfur? Maybe a pencil with a rubber eraser? How about a rubber band holding something together? If you have anything like that in the case, try taking it out and storing it elsewhere.
I would also recommend you try a Gleam Anti-Tarnish sachet from "the Doctor" and keep one in your case. If you haven't ordered any of his products before, click on "Accessories" over on the right side of this page, then "The Doctor's Products," then "Accessories" on the Doctor's home page. I have found them pretty effective and they should help if something in the air is attacking your keys. An alternative would be 3M silver tarnish protector strips.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: William
Date: 2008-06-26 19:09
The silver plateing on my set of Concertos has held up quite well with relatively constant use over the past 13 yrs. However, I have heard of other LeBlanc clarinets that have lost their gleen and, sadly, the company did not stand behing their product.
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-06-27 00:18
I have an R-13 Prestige clarinet in A made in 1993 and the plating is in very good condition but my spare R13 Prestige Bb clarinet also made in 1993 has a plating wear in the open a key but other than that the plating is also in very good condition.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-06-27 00:23
William wrote:
"The silver plateing on my set of Concertos has held up quite well with relatively constant use over the past 13 yrs. However, I have heard of other LeBlanc clarinets that have lost their gleen and, sadly, the company did not stand behing their product."
It it was just tarnish, that is what happens to silver. There is no warranty against tarnish. It is a natural oxidation process of the silver in the plating. If it was a problem of the plating going bad (as many of the new nickel-plated R13s seem to be doing) that is a different story.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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