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Re: First Time Clarinet Repair

Author: BartHx
Date: 2015-06-30 19:58

It is generally good practice to put pivot screws back in the same position when you are putting it back together since they wear in to fit a particular key. There are even some pivot rods that are close enough in length to get confused. I would suggest making (or buying) a screw board that will allow you to keep track where each of these items came from. An alternative is, when you take a key off, put the screws or pivot rod back where they/it came from so there is no doubt where they/it belong(s). An ultrasonic cleaner should be fine to help get general crud off the keys so long as you make sure they are COMPLETELY dried when they come out (especially pivot sockets and tubes). I know a shop that has an ultrasonic cleaner big enough to hold an intact tuba. They use a special solution but, for a home unit, a little dish soap should be adequate. Be sure to give the keys a clear water rinse before drying them. The ultrasonic cleaner is unlikely to remove tarnish, so you will probably still need to polish the keys. As mentioned above, a good reference book can be one of your most valuable tools.

At one point, I challenged myself with an instrument that looked like someone had rolled both joints under a foot. There was not a key or rod on that instrument that was not bent. Putting that back into good playing condition was one of the best learning experiences I have had. Don't try to rush anything and if you start feeling frustrated, put it down and come back to it later. Enjoy.

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