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Re: Bore Oiling Interval

Author: modernicus
Date: 2017-03-03 05:06

I collect old clarinets for fun and many I have are 100+ years old. I think you might be able to guess what I think about the idea of not oiling.

Edit: Well, that's part of the equation....my own theory based on observation stems from several factors. I have a pro wood clarinet I got new and never oiled. I played it for years and it always looked fine, so I didn't think it needed it. Then I let it sit for many years before I started playing again. When I cracked open the case I was surprised to see the upper bore looked like crap, all rough and the top joint tenon looked all dry and reddish. It didn't look like that when I had played it last! I can only guess that while I played it continuously, some of the wood's oils were sort of washed away and replaced with moisture from condensation and saliva. It still looked fine in that state, but really I think it wasn't really great for it once it evaporated. Only then could I see what damage was being done. Oiling and playing helped, but it doesn't look new again. After a time, I have now acquired a number of old clarinets in various states of neglect. One of them looks atrocious in all the usual areas, with some checking of the wood and an almost whitish appearance. It simply will not re-absorb any oil to a reasonable degree. I can only guess that during decades of playing, something like the minerals that get built up on mouthpieces got deposited in the wood via moisture and the wood's original or oils used during manufacturing got washed away. This buildup is seems to be stuck in the wood's structure and won't let the wood absorb any oil. I have other clarinets that didn't look like they were played much and then were stored away for decades under sometimes terrible conditions. Sure, maybe they were a little dried out, but some cleaning and oil in the bore and I have been surprised how quickly everything was looking good- bore smooth, dark and glossy looking(simply sitting unused didn't do much lasting damage)! What might the previously mentioned clarinet's condition be if they had been oiling it? Much like I didn't, I bet they weren't, except the time span was obviously longer.

Post Edited (2017-03-03 20:31)

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