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Re: Ebonite vs. ABS

Author: Tony F
Date: 2022-11-13 08:53

I use the method given by Tom Ridenour. I use it on clarinet bodies and it works very well, but I've not tried it on a mouthpiece as yet.

On clarinet bodies this is the method: Strip off all the keywork. Its not necessary to remove posts or body rings. Wash the body parts in slightly warmed water using common dishwashing detergent and a soft brush. Allow to air-dry and then wash again in alcohol. I use isopropyl alcohol. Now comes the good bit. You need Feibigs leather dye in USMC black. This is a solvent dye. Feibig also make another black dye which is water-based, and you do not want that one.

Apply the dye evenly to the instrument parts. I use a fine artists brush about a quarter inch wide, but cotton buds will also work. The dye will air-dry in a few minutes. When dry recoat as necessary to fill in any thin areas. Leave overnight and then wipe the parts with a soft cloth moistened with alcohol. Some pigment will come off on the cloth but the parts will now be a lustrous satin black. The pigment will wipe off the posts and rings, as it does not adhere to metal. I have some instruments in daily use that were treated in this manner 7 or 8 years ago and they still look good. Before treatment they were a sort of olve green/grey but now they are satin black.

I've not tried it on mouthpieces because I'm not sure abouth the toxicity of the dye. If anyone wants to try it I'd be glad to hear of the results.

Tony F.

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Ebonite vs. ABS new

Kalashnikirby

2018-02-19 15:06