Robersons Music - clarinet Maintenance

CLARINET MAINTENANCE

Reeds
The reed should be removed from the mouthpiece after you play and stored in a "reed guard" for protection. This will force the thin reed tip to dry flat which will make it last longer. If your reed becomes chipped or cracked, replace it with a new one. Damaged reeds will "sqweak" and cause the clarinet to play poorly. Keep several "fresh" reeds on hand in case you need them.

Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece should be cleaned once a week using warm soapy water and your mouthpiece cleaning brush which is specially designed for this purpose. This will sanitize the mouthpiece and also remove any foreign matter.

Bore
The inside of the clarinet should be swabbed after you play. This will prevent the buildup of moisture and germs. We recommend the "Pad-Saver" swabs for this purpose.

Keys
The keys should be wiped off with your polishing cloth after you play. This will remove prespiration acids and protect the key surface. Have Roberson's technicians lubricate the key mechanism at least every 6 months.

Corks
Use a small amount of cork grease on the cork joints when first putting the clarinet together. Be sure to wipe off extra cork grease and foreign matter to insure a snug fitting joint. If the joint corks become thin or torn, have them replaced by Roberson's Music's competent repair technicians.

Pads
Use "pad papers" to remove dust and other foreign matter from the pads. Have the pads checked every 6 months and have any worn or damaged pads replaced.

Let Roberson's Music give your instrument the best care possible!

Maintenance Items you should have: "Pad-Saver" swabs, cork grease, key oil, mouthpiece brush, reed guard, polishing cloth.

last updated on 3/23/2008