 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: wjk
Date: 2003-01-05 21:31
What would be best to lubricate the threads on ligature screws? I don't like the idea of WD-40 drizzling onto my mouthpiece or reeds. How about a tiny amount of graphite? Any other suggestions?
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Author: diane
Date: 2003-01-05 21:34
I just use key oil on my BG super revelation - take the screw off, drizzle the oil on both threaded components, wipe away the excess (should there be any), put the ligature back together...
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Author: ron b
Date: 2003-01-05 21:51
This is a spoof, right?
There's no need to lube lig screws. What for? Once adjusted to where you like them, you prefer them to stay there. Well, I mean, at least *I* like them to stay there... and a little friction helps, nicht wahr?
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Author: Peter
Date: 2003-01-05 22:04
I have never lubricated ligature screws and never had one fail because of it.
While I am an avid user of penetrating lubricants (not on my instrument mechanisms, except in an emergency) I know several instrument repair people who say that you should never use a penetrating lubricant to oil your instrument mechanisms. These include WD-40, Liquid Wrench, CRC, etc.
For several reasons, but the one they most agree on is that these lubricants have chemical components that evaporate quicker (?) than those in "regular" oil, leaving a gummier mess behind.
They say to use them in an emergency or on something stuck beyond the capabilities of "regular" oil, but don't leave them on after. That's what good key oil is for.
You have to be careful with petroleum based products as they attack plastics (most, if not all of which are also petroleum based) and rubbers, both of which are used to build clarinets and mouthpieces.
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Author: William
Date: 2003-01-05 22:25
For the large screw on his custom ligatures, John Winslow recommends using simple cork grease--and that seems to work just fine. I have never found it necessary to lubricate any of my other ligatures, but if it makes you feel better, the cork grease would probably work. The only danger I can think of is that one may have a tendency to over tighten if the screw is "too smooth."
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Author: Willie
Date: 2003-01-05 23:48
I've had a couple that had threads that were a little on the rough side. I removed the screws and used just a light dab of the Doc's cork grease to make them work more smoothly.
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Author: ed
Date: 2003-01-06 01:02
I find that lubricating the screws makes it work smoother and there is less wear to the screws. I have used the Selmer liquid tuning slide/cork grease. It works beautifully and lasts a long time. It is thicker than an oil and therefore stays put.
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Author: Peter
Date: 2003-01-06 01:12
Wow! in 45 years, in and out of music I've never actually known anyone who lubricated ligature screws, but it's interesting hearing about it!
Ligature screws just don't have the motion, wear or pressure to require lubrication. But to each his own!
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-01-06 01:28
For what it's worth, the promotional literature enclosed with the Rovner ligature states:
<b>IMPORTANT!!</b>
<b>This ligature will not perform properly unless the metal fittings are properly lubricated. Lack of lubrication can cause the ligature to sound stuffy or dull. Lubricate metal rubbing surfaces and threads regularly with a good general lubricant or cork grease.</b> ...GBK
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Author: charlene
Date: 2003-01-06 03:29
That's correct, GBK. I try to remember that every time I feel like transfering my Rovners to more successful duty in the first-aid kit as emergency tourniquets. A bit of key oil helps just enough to give them yet another chance to behave.
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Author: Peter
Date: 2003-01-06 04:07
GBK,
The honest truth is that I've tried several Rovner ligatures and returned them all because they made my clarinet sound stuffy. Actually threw one away once!
In fact, every time I see someone post about how wonderful Rovner ligatures are, I shake my head and wonder if these are the same Rovner ligatures I've tried. I just finished exchanging e-mails with someone, telling them how awful I found them to be.
But, truthfully, I have never read the instructions and never again thught of trying a Rovner ligature.
I wonder if this lubricating issue might have had something to do with it. It's possible, if in fact, they don't work well unless they are lubed.
While it just might be true (what the instructions say) It's difficult for me to believe that lubrication can have such an effect on a, basically, non-moving part (yes, I know, there is movement in vibration.)
I guess the next time I'm in a music store that carries them I'll look into it.
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Author: Terry Horlick
Date: 2003-01-06 14:36
Wow,
Those instructions blow me away. A few years ago when my daughter was in high school all the kids had to have Rovners. Supposedly they gave everyone a better sound. Curious about this I bought one and it sure made all my horns stuffy and difficult to play. Now I find out that I should have oiled them! Amazing. I am going to oil it and give it a try.
It seems to me that the Screw has no motion once tightened, but hey, what do I know? About getting oil on the mouth piece, I had a flash of insight just now, maybe you can remove the ligature from the mouthpiece before oiling and wipe away any excess before replacing the lig... just a thought.
Re. oiling lig screws... I just don't think it is necessary on a string ligature! But for those who haven't tried that yet I suggest removing the screw and wiping it in your hair or along the side of your nose, oil is there in about the right quantity and honestly should work fine.
Re. graphite... if you think that oil on a lig screw is messy just think what graphite will do! For anyone who doesn't know what graphite is imagine dumping a pencil sharpener out on a table, or maybe copier toner. Now rub that black stuff all over your ligature and mouthpiece... maybe a little on your face too.... you get the idea.
Respectfully submitted, Terry
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Author: William
Date: 2003-01-06 15:32
Terry--your reference--"imagine dumping a pencil sharpener out on a table"--is not really an accurate visual of graphite as that residue is mostly composed of discarded pencil wood chips. The graphite is actually the substance that constitues the pencils point. Additionally, that pencils-point graphite makes an excellant lubricant and it is commonly used to remedy sticky violin, viola and cello pegs to improve the ease of their fine tuning action. The application is made by backing the offending peg out, marking the contact area of the peg liberally with pencil markings, and re-inserting it into the hole. Works every time for a stringed instrument--it may also work on a ligature screw.
BTW--the remedy for a peg that is too loose?? Powder from your chalk board. (compliments of this old strings teacher)
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2003-01-07 02:55
Perhpas the Rovner ligature performs well only when it is clamped quite tight. This tightness is possibly not be achievable by the average person's finger strength unless a lubricant is present.
Lubricant sure makes a big difference to the neck tightening screw of a saxophone when the wing screw has small wings, as with Selmer.
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Author: Matt
Date: 2003-01-07 13:08
FWIW, I would try bee's wax on the screws if you really need to lubricate them.
MOO,
Matt
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Author: Peter
Date: 2003-01-09 15:43
FYI:
Well, I tried, not one, but three, well oiled Rovner ligatures and they still made five of my clarinets sound like crap.
I'm sticking with my un-oiled Optimums.
Oil on a basically non-moving part that does not have typical pressure or corrosion problems? Naw!
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2003-01-10 05:26
While the screw is BEING tightened it is most definitely a moving part, and because the movement is slow, air does not suffice as a lubricant! Screws can be tightened a LOT tighter by hand if a suitable lubricant is used.
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