How to Care for a Metal Clarinet
If you own a metal clarinet, it is safe to say that you own a valuable vintage instrument. In fact, according to The Silver Clarinet Site, very few metal clarinets were even manufactured after the late '30s. Proper care of your metal clarinet will go a long way to keep it in working order. Good maintenance will avoid the buildup of rust and mineral deposits inside the clarinet's bell and key joints.
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Instructions
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Pull apart the clarinet's five parts in consecutive order. This includes the mouthpiece, upper joint, lower joint, barrel and bell-shaped sound hole. Lay out the pieces on a flat work surface.
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Locate the corks or joints on each piece. Apply a generous layer of cork grease or lubrication to each of the clarinet's joints. Cork grease usually comes in a small, tube-like container resembling a tube of lip balm.
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3
Press down on the keys on the upper and lower joint pieces. Press down on them repeatedly to free any stuck keys. Apply a few drops of key lubricant in each key hole on the upper and lower joints.
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Put the clarinet pack together. Attach the small barrel piece to the sound bell, connect the lower joint to the barrel, connect the upper joint to the lower joint and attach the mouthpiece to the upper joint.
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References
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