Clarinet bodies are constructed of two main materials: wood and plastic. Other than the difference in care of the body material, all clarinets are maintained the same.
All clarinets
All clarinets require the following procedures: if you are uncertain about a procedure DO NOT DO IT..CALL FOR HELP!
Description
Procedure
Frequency
Clean bore
Use a hanky type swab, pulled through the bore to clean and dry.
After every use
Clean mouthpiece
Use a hanky type swab, pulled through the mouthpiece to clean and dry.
After every use
Wipe down
Use a dry, untreated cloth (handkerchief or such) to wipe fingerprints from the keys and body. This helps prevent staining and tarnishing.
After every use
Dusting
Use a small, soft paint brush to remove dust and dirt from under keys. As you brush, blow the loosened material away.See Warnings
Monthly
Oil mechanisms
Use a straight pin, dipped in key oil, applied to the joint between each key and post and between keys. See Warnings
Monthly
Wash mouthpiece
Soak mouthpiece in COOL water for 10 minutes, brush with mouthpiece brush, rinse and dry.
Monthly
PAY ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING WARNINGS. Call if you need help.
Be aware that too vigorous brushing under keys may loosen or knock loose key corks. Key corks are thin cushions used to help prevent noise as keys are opened or closed. Some key corks are important for making the horn play properly, but most aren't critical.
Too vigorous brushing under keys may also unhook needle springs. Needle springs are those little wires that connect the posts and the keys. They are used to either lift the key after you release it or to hold a key shut. Springs ARE critical to the horn playing properly. If you see a spring that is not hooked, just push it back until it hooks back onto the little hook on the key.
Just because it is a screw doesn't mean it has to be tightened!!! Leave the screw turning to someone who knows what they are doing, which is usually NOT you. :)
Tiny drops of oil are what you want when oiling your mechanisms. Too much oil combines with the dust and dirt on your horn to make mud. Oiling is critical to prevent rust and corrosion on the fasteners that hold the keys on.
