The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: Why oil the barrel of a clarinet?

Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2019-10-30 21:40

Bore Oil doesn't need to penetrate deeply into the wood to be effective. A few microns thickness will do the job of repelling moisture just as well.

By far the most important part to oil of any clarinet is the end grain exposed at the ends of the tenons and the inside ends of the sockets. End grain is infinitely more absorbent of moisture than the bore surface, and this is one major reason for bore distortion, particularly in the very top of the upper joint.

I am not worried about whether or not "academics" have done any specific tests on this. The evidence of the effects of poor bore maintenance I have seen in 60 years of handling woodwind instruments is convincing enough for me.

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics