How to Remove a Dent in a Clarinet Mouthpiece

Playing the clarinet can be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. Many students play the instrument in the school band and orchestra. However, an imperfection with the clarinet could make performing difficult and discourage the student. A dent in the mouthpiece can make playing difficult and ruin the tone. This article is only for hard rubber mouthpieces (plastic ones will not reshape). If you are using a generic mouthpiece that came with a plastic clarinet, it will be plastic. Most brand name mouthpieces will be hard rubber.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clarinet Mouthpiece
• Lamp with exposed light bulb

1. Turn on the lamp to heat up the light bulb. Do not use halogen bulbs because they become too hot. A standard 60-150 watt light bulb is recommended.

2. When the light bulb has warmed up, turn the lamp off so you do not hurt your eyes.

3. Gently rub the clarinet mouthpiece on the bulb for 3-5 seconds. The heat will draw the rubber out to its original form.

4. Repeat Step 3 until the dent has reformed to the original shape.

Tips & Warnings

• Use this process only on hard rubber mouthpieces.
• If you are unsure whether you have a plastic or hard rubber mouthpiece, as a music teacher or go to a respected local music store as ask.
• Do not attempt this on a plastic mouthpiece because it could possibly melt.
• Do not use a halogen bulb
• Rub the mouthpiece on the bulb for only a few seconds at a time.
• Make sure to turn the light out before looking at it.

[MommyTeach]

on 2/25/2009 I don't know who gave you 4 stars but this is a 5* article. Short but sweet and has good tips. I will recommend you for this one :)