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Re: Maintenance Kits

Author: BartHx
Date: 2014-05-16 01:37

--If you are going to oil keys, you need a light weight oil that will not get gummy. A generic reference here would be "clock oil". It is used in VERY small amounts and kept off the wood. Leave greases and such for correcting excess key noise to your tech.
--Most commercial bore oils are petroleum based. I feel vegetable oil is a better choice for wood. For many, many years I used olive oil. I have now switched to The Doctor's bore oil and, as a former almond farmer, keep almond oil in the refrigerator in the event I run short (yes, I am one of the ones who believe in oiling the bore).
--Most commercial cork grease is, also, petroleum based. I have learned from experience that non-petroleum based cork grease works better for me and increases cork life.
--I prefer nickel keys, but I do use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the keys after each use. That minimizes tarnish and the amount of polishing needed to keep my instrument looking good.
--I find that kits are made at minimal cost for maximum profit, so I have to agree with David's feelings.

If you are going to have your instrument checked by your tech each year (good idea, although some advocate more frequent bore oiling) you really only need a good swab and good cork grease. There are getting to be quite a number of sources for non-petroleum based products. While I am in no way associated with the company, I am very satisfied with The Doctor's Products.

Be sure to swab tenons and sockets carefully where end grain is exposed.

Post Edited (2014-05-16 01:47)

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