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RE: Follow up on "tarnished Bell Rings"

Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2001-09-26 13:24

We have also had a number of posts on silver and silver polishing cloths in recent times. Both products, Brasso (an old Military polishing standby - since you could tell the new kids on the block by their lacquered and high definition - all the lines and ridges distinct - of their collar brass, the old timers would show the recruits how to remove the lacquer and wear down the brass to look shiny and worn by rubbing it on towels impregnated with Brasso) is way too abrasive for continued use on silver plating. The Never Dull product contains ammonia and abrasive compounds which are also too harsh. Why not use cloths with exceptionally mild abrasive action used for fine silver - sold in jewelery stores and silver departments in large department stores? I have documentation that indicates that some of the branded silver polishing cloths (see previous posts) are too abrasive and may even cause visable scratching. The ultimate goal is to remove the agents that cause the tarnish - which include a host of pollutants in the air and sulphur compounds in the clarinet's environment. The 3M anti-tarnish strips are good to keep in the case, a placard of silver anti-tarnish cloth covering the horn, and a soft cloth should be used after playing to wipe the plating before retiring the horn to the case. Indeed, the alloy used on the bell ring is more prone to tarnish than the rest of the plating and thus deserves special attention. In some urban areas a pollution scavenger formulation in the case (a concept of mine-no commercial product yet) may reduce tarnish.
The Doctor

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