 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: atasic
Date: 2008-12-02 17:35
i was just wondering is it worth to try to polish the inside of the bore on my clarinets, specually on b-flat clarinet......I started thinking of this because I feel that my b-flat clarinet doesnt play free einough like before and it is only 3 years old. first I was thinking of pads problem , but it is not the problem in the pads, they are seating very good .....
Is some of you have experience in this.......is it good to do it or..?
Best
Alex
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2008-12-02 19:02
I doubt if the finish of your bore is likely to be the problem, very much more likely is dirt or fluff in the toneholes.
Work on the bore should only be undertaken by a very experienced technician, it is very easy to destroy the accurate dimensions especially in the top joint and barrel.
Many very good sounding clarinets do not always have an ultra high polish on their bore although one should always swab frequently to both remove moisture and help preserve the smoothness of the surface.
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Author: atasic
Date: 2008-12-02 20:47
My clarinet never had a ultra high polish......I also clean all the toneholes once a month or when is needed.
I just have a feeling that the bore at the upper joint on my clarinet got shrinked.........
I really want to keep my clarinet in a good shape.....
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2008-12-02 21:33
If you suspect the bore has changed dimension then you need a tech who
a) knows what it should measure
b) has the equipment to measure it (not so easy with polycylindrical bores)
c) has suitable reamer(s) etc to correct it
Shrinkage in upper bore is not uncommon but the amount is usually such as to affect intonation rather than response.
I recommend that the end grain of the top tenon and the internal bore at least down to the speaker vent should be regularly given a light dressing of almond oil to protect this area which receives the direct impact of warm, moist air from absorbing too much moisture. This is especially the case with new instruments but even older ones can benefit from doing it every few months.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2008-12-02 23:09
FIRST, DO NO HARM. A thousandth of an inch change in the bore can make the difference between a great clarinet and one suitable only to be a lamp.
It takes years of experience to know what to do inside the bore. For every good change, there are thousands of bad ones. Even then, it takes specialized tools.
There are dozens of causes for poor response. It could be buildup in the tone holes. A tone hole rim could be nicked or uneven, causing a leak even if the pads are perfect. If you have tone hole inserts, one could be leaking. There could be warping in various places, each of which calls for careful diagnosis and restoration.
Take it to an expert. This is not a $2 penny-whistle, which you throw away when it goes bad. Give it the same care you would for any precision instrument that you use for a lifetime.
Ken Shaw
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