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Clarinet Swab sharp end?

Author: Wookie001
Date: 2016-11-27 02:19

Hi,

I bought a new leather clarinet swab some time ago and cleaned my Buffet RC Clarinet with it. Now I noticed it has a plastic weld (which is a little sharp) on the end of the cord. Worrying a bit if it could have made scratches in the bore..

https://gb.gewamusic.com/product/5483/gewa-wiper-clarinet.html

Post Edited (2016-11-27 02:24)

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Re: Clarinet Swab sharp end?

Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2016-11-27 02:25

Highly unlikely - it only dangles down under gravity after all.
Just smooth off the sharp edge with file/emery/ etc if you are worried.

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Re: Clarinet Swab sharp end?

Author: Wookie001
Date: 2016-11-27 02:52

thanks.

although I also put it in by hand a bit, it's a longer rod than usual enclosed by cloth. but plastic can't really scratch the wood?
I know this seems a bit like overcautiousness, but well I always think about such things.. :/

Post Edited (2016-11-27 02:56)

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Re: Clarinet Swab sharp end?

Author: Richie
Date: 2016-11-27 03:25

I suppose if you wanted you could put tape over the sharp part, or just buy a whole new swab.

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Re: Clarinet Swab sharp end?

Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2016-11-28 04:17

hmmm Good question here. A bore design is so critical. For $20 or less I'd buy a new one or tape it.

Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces

Yamaha Artist 2015

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Re: Clarinet Swab sharp end?

Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2016-11-28 07:01

The problem with leather is if it gets caught in the register tube inside the bore you could do damage to the clarinet if you can't remove it and pull too hard. If you feel you must use a leather swab, I don't recommend it though, put the swab through the top joint so if if does get stuck there's a shorter distance to work it loose. I recommend a silk swab, they are very absorbing and thin so it won't do damage if you have to "tear" it out. But in either case, ALWAYS make sure the swab is opened before pulling it through so it doesn't "bunch up" and get caught on the tube. I've spent many lesson times helping students get theirs unstuck for not opening their swab before puling it. Once I had to take off the A-G# key to work a swab loose with my little screw driver through the tone holes slowly and carefully. Always open the swab, always.

ESP eddiesclarinet.com

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Re: Clarinet Swab sharp end?

Author: Sean.Perrin
Date: 2016-12-08 02:57

Don't use swabs with any kind of sharp edges ESPECIALLY metal. I agree, replace this with something that won't destroy your bore over time.

Founder and host of the Clarineat Podcast: http://www.clarineat.com

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