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 Dirty hole below register key
Author: Laura 
Date:   2002-07-28 18:00

The hole that your left thumb is over (except for throat tones) is really dirty. I tried using a tone hole cleaner in it, but all the nasty crud, or whatever you'll call it, won't come off. What can i do to get rid of it.

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 RE: Dirty hole below register key
Author: Vytas 
Date:   2002-07-28 19:10

Try a toothpick, than a pipe cleaner again.

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 RE: Dirty hole below register key
Author: Jas 
Date:   2002-07-28 19:59

Laura,

Look very closely first, to see that the "crud" (yeah, that's pretty much what we can call it) is not in fact, tarnish or discoloration on the inside of the metal tone hole. If you have an older instrument, it is possible that tarnish is present. Shine a light down it and have a closer look.

If it is clearly crud, then try Vytas suggestion... use a wooden toothpick because it's softer and less likely to damage the inside of the tone hole, but first run a cotton swab dampened with water around the inside of the tone hole. This helps make it easier to pick at the crud, and helps prevent damage to the finish. GENTLY pick away at the crud, but don't dig for gold. Lift the crud out with the toothpick, frequently stopping to wipe off the tip. You may have to run the damp swab in a few times as you go, loosening the crud under the crud you just pulled out. Then, when you're satisfied the tone hole is "de-crudded", clean out the tone hole with a CLEAN cotton swab, lightly dampened with water (the water will help pick up any remaining crud). Swab your instrument out couple of times when you are done a , making sure that you've cleaned up any leftover crud that may have dropped into the horn and water from the cotton swab.

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 RE: Dirty hole below register key
Author: Gordon (NZ) 
Date:   2002-07-29 07:14

Gun cleaning brushes sometimes do the job well, but you need just the right diameter/hardness for each situation.

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 RE: Dirty hole below register key
Author: Gordon (NZ) 
Date:   2002-07-29 07:16

Brush for the hole under your finger.

If it is the register hole vent, a bristly-type pipe cleaner - with solvent such as lighter fluid is ideal.

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 RE: Dirty hole below register key
Author: Gordon (NZ) 
Date:   2002-07-30 01:11

Sorry, I meant the hole under your thumb, not your finger.

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 RE: Dirty hole below register key
Author: Synonymous Botch 
Date:   2002-07-30 13:40

Bamboo skewer and # 0000 ('Four-aught') steel wool for me.

If that hole is grotty, it's time for a tune-up including cleaning
and reapplication of bore oil.

The smaller toneholes are probably in similar condition, and far more altered in pitch than the F.

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