 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: BbMajorBoy
Date: 2014-09-05 03:04
Now that I've received my R13 from its overhaul, I'm looking for some tips on maintenance (before and after playing, periodically etc) and maintenance accessories specifically cork grease, key oil and swabs.
I have one good swab which is a felt like material but not sure of its exact name (someone help), I am looking to replace the crappy cloth ones that hardly do anything.
I've been using cheap cork grease which doesn't really work in the long term. I'm going to try Doctor Slick and La Tromba. Any other suggestions, I'm looking for a long term solution instead of having to apply every time.
Are there any other things/products that your recommend just having in your case?
Thanks
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2014-09-05 03:34
in a slight tangent, let me elaborate. Recently I submerged my instrument in a lake (don't ask, or watch this) and afterwards I felt the urge to do a normal "yearly service". Long story short, here's what:
- service (or have it done) your instrument once a year, or after rough treatment.
- cork grease (I use La Tromba) is a mere detail, what's more important is to keep the parts in order that *should* move when operated.
- learn basic maintenance tasks. Buy Stephen Howard's Clarinet book.
- See your friendly repair person before doing something potentially stupid.
Well, back to your question - cork grease is temporary, volatile. Whatever the brand, you'll have to re-apply every so often.
--
Ben
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Author: FDF
Date: 2014-09-05 03:47
Very brave; very some other things. : ] All for a good cause, i'm sure, and some interesting video. Perfect example of how not to care for your wind instrument. The brass had a better deal than the woodwinds. Hope you were using your hard rubber clarinet.
The real question which clarinetist were you?
Good chuckle and example. Thanks.
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2014-09-05 05:21
natural lemon oil once a year if you play a lot..as well as cork grease..cleaing a lot during performance and sleeping as much as you can.
David Dow
Post Edited (2014-09-05 05:22)
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2014-09-05 06:18
I've used the same Selmer bass clarinet since I was in college for my 50 year career in the Baltimore Symphony Orchesta. I've used the basic cork grease tub you get for a buck or two these days, I get mine from Music and Arts Center here in town. $1.10 with my teachers discount :-). I've been using theirs on all my clarinets as long as I can remember, works fine. I use a push through swab for as long as I can remember because I like to swab out ofter in the orchestra and only have to take off the neck to run it down the top joint. I use one of those "pad" savers for sax and trimmed it down so it was easy to push in and out without a struggle, it's worked for me as long as I can remember. I used to use a bassoon swab before that. I use an hanky to clean the neck but I don't pull it through, I just push it into each section using my finger but if you can pull a swab through that's fine. Just make sure you do it every time you put it away. I would often do it several times at a rehearsal, I play wet.
Oil the keys at least once a year with a key oil, I've used 3 in 1 oil forever with an applicator like a needle so I don't get the oil all over the place. One or two drops at every joint. Make sure you dust off the keys first with a clean paint brush or an air spray like the one you use to clean a keyboard on your computer. I've never oiled the bore since I played it all the time, no need. That's it, just keep the corks well greased so they don't wear. Hint, never carry the bass by the top joint, if the cork in the middle joint is loose or two greased the bottom joint can fall off, I know, it happened to me once many years ago, never again.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-09-05 07:36
I second the use of your typical cork grease (in the "chapstick" style tube). You never have to worry about that cork grease leaving weird residue in you case, or worse, causing the underlying glue of the cork to degrade. Frequent application is just part of the biz.
For swabs I prefer the silk, hanky style pull through types. They won't get stuck on the register tube (thinner than the standard cotton) and they move plenty of condensation. My favorite is the "Legend" swab, one of the "Doctor's Products." That one is built like a tank!
..............Paul Aviles
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2014-09-05 15:03
> The real question which clarinetist were you?
at 0:33 in the video.
The clarinet is a Hanson RG clarinet. But I wouldn't have hesitated to bring an older wooden instrument - it was in the water for maybe 5 seconds, and I seriously doubt the wood would have taken offence at this. What's more important is to disassemble all keys at the next opportunity and drying and re-oiling all the parts that can rust.
I've played in rain more than once, and never had a problem. Just do your homework re after-performance care.
--
Ben
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2014-09-05 16:27
I always advocate using a high quality dark colored Silk or microfiber Swab.
It not only helps keep the bore clean, but improves intonation.
Get one, and just listen closely for the intonation improvement the next time you play - does miracles
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2014-09-06 04:20
David, improves intonation? Now you tell be after 50 years in the BSO using anything but that kind of swab. If Only I knew. By the way, with my method, the bore was always clean and I was actually told that I played pretty well in tune. :-)
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Dori
Date: 2014-09-06 23:22
Must be the "dark color" of the swab that is so important. I confess I never connected the light color of my mine with intonation problems. Maybe I should experiment with swab colors before trying different ligatures <g>
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