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Re: Dulled Clarinet Keys

Author: Chris P
Date: 2020-02-16 20:29

If you mean unplated nickel silver keywork, then you can use a silver polishing cloth to go some way in making them look a bit brighter. Also an old T-shirt will do in the interim to keep the keys clean.

If the keywork is nickel plated and has turned dull grey, then any surface bloom can be wiped off with a silver cloth, but that won't restore the shine once the nickel plate has turned grey.

In both cases, machine polishing them is the most effective way of bringing them up to a bright shine, but that will run the risk of dirtying, damaging or destroying the pads and silencing materials (cork, felt, etc.) glued to the keywork. Machine polishing is best done with all the pads and key corks/felts removed, then thoroughly cleaned afterwards to remove all traces of polish.

You won't be able to prevent the keywork from tarnishing, but wiping things down after playing will keep things looking better. Sometimes the case lining (fabric, adhesive or foam) used can cause plating to tarnish or at worst, become pitted and rough like the surface is covered in barnacles.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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