Clarinet (Wood) Cleaning Instructions

Recommended Accessories: 
Cleaning/Care Kit  /  Ligature   /   Oils&Lubricants  
Pad Saver  /   Reeds   /   Reed Saver   /   Swab

ASSEMBLY

Apply a light film of cork grease around all 4 tenon corks (this includes the mouthpiece tenon).

With a slight twisting motion, slip the barrel on the upper joint and the bell on the lower joint. Always assemble joints in a straight parallel line to each other.

With your left hand, pick up the upper joint and depress the upper bridge key to a closed position.

With your right hand, grasp the lower joint firmly and with a slight twisting motion, slip the upper and lower joints together. Continue to twist the two joints around until the upper bridge key lever is directly over the lower bridge lever.

Slip the mouthpiece into the barrel joint and turn the mouthpiece so the open chamber is in direct line with the thumb rest. This position may be adjusted to each player's comfort.

Slip the ligature over the mouthpiece. Insert the reed between the ligature and the mouthpiece. Secure the reed by tightening the screws on the ligature.

DAILY CARE

Always remove the reed before taking the mouthpiece off of the barrel. Carefully slide the reed into the Reedgard.

With slight twisting motion, take the barrel, bell and body joints apart in the same manner they were assembled.

Drop the clarinet swab string through each section and pull it through to remove moisture and keep the bore clean.

Wash the mouthpiece with a solution of liquid soap and cold water. Run the mouthpiece brush back and forth to remove any built up residue. Rinse with cold water. Do NOT use hot water.

Polish the keys with the polishing cloth. Give extra attention to the areas where your hands hold and touch the key levers.

The small duster brush can be used to clean the dust and dirt under the key shafts. Be careful not to force the brush into any tight areas or damage the pads.

WEEKLY CARE

Vacuum the inside of the case to remove dirt and lint. Clean outer case with a wet rag. Vinyl cleaning polishes work well to clean and shine the outer side of your case.

EVERY 3 MONTHS - Wood Oiling (Overnight Process)

Warning: 

Applying too much bore oil can cause wood deterioration and pad damage. Bore oil should not drip or run out of the joints. Follow these instructions carefully.

Hold each joint of the instrument up to a light and look through the bore before starting so you will notice the difference as the oil is being applied. A light film of the bore oil is all that is needed to adequately do the job.

Add 10 drops of bore oil to the cotton brush swab. As you are applying the oil to each joint you may have to add additional oil to the swab.

Begin with the barrel and bell joints. Insert the cotton brush swab into the bore and work it back and forth while rotating the brush in a circular motion. To avoid over-oiling, check each piece by looking through the bore during the process. Continue to run the swab back and forth until a light film is applied. The upper and lower joint should be oiled using the same process.

Leave the joints apart and allow them to set overnight. In the morning drop the swab string through each joint and pull the clarinet swab through to move excess bore oil.

Store the oil cotton swab in a plastic bag for future use.

THINGS TO AVOID

Do not chew gum, eat or drink soft drinks just before or while you play your instrument. Food particles and sugar are difficult to dislodge and eventually will affect the playing qualities. If possible, rinse your mouth with water before playing.

Never force the joints together. Additional cork grease should be added weekly or as needed. If joints are loose or too tight, they may need to be adjusted or replaced. See a qualified repairman.

Never leave your reed on the mouthpiece while storing it in your case. The Reedgard is designed to protect the reed and allows it to dry out properly.

If you stop for a break or end your playing session; put your instrument back into the case. Avoid laying the instrument down unprotected.

Unless your case has a proper compartment, it is not advisable to carry books, music, papers or other large objects in the case.

For Repair costs and estimates, please feel free to contact us.

Call:  1-800-872-2263
Fax:  1-605-225-2051
Email:  repair@taylormusic.com

We offer repair services on all Brasswind, Woodwind, Strings and Percussion Equipment.

Bb Clarinets

Recommended Accessories: 
Cleaning/Care Kit  /  Ligature   /   Oils&Lubricants  
Pad Saver  /   Reeds   /   Reed Saver   /   Swab