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Re: Steps to revive an old wooden clarinet

Author: fskelley
Date: 2016-05-06 19:08

How about some photos before you actually tear into this thing? As a non-tech (but I know enough to be dangerous and I've stayed at a Holiday Inn Express), unless it's obviously non-playable, I'd start with a minimalist approach. Same as I did with great success with a Leblanc Dynamic 2 I got in similar non-played condition some years ago.

Do not remove any keys. Wipe it gently. Perhaps a slightly damp soft cloth. Swab the bore. A SMALL amount of bore oil is probably a good idea, but here on BBoard there are 12 different conflicting ideas about what kind and how much. Better too little than too much IMHO. No oil on outside (some disagree).

Play it for a few minutes only first few days. Address bad pads, misaligned keys, bad cork (every old clarinet needs new cork) and such as your skills permit, while you're not "allowed" to play at length.

If you're lucky, in a few days you'll be home free with a great playing instrument, as I was. And I learned that bad looking pads can still seal great, even if their appearance does not inspire confidence. If not, at least you'll know what really needs to be addressed.

I like shiny keys, too. My Dynamic keys responded to elbow grease and some cheap Blitz polishing cloths over time. More drastic polishing can wait for an overhaul (don't remove keys just to pretty them up, IMHO) if and when that's needed.

Many many fine clarinets out there that need only a little proper TLC to be appreciated. Unfortunately those are mixed in with a zillion worthless relics, hard to know the difference sometimes. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Best of luck!

Stan in Orlando

EWI 4000S with modifications

Post Edited (2016-05-06 19:17)

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