A Clarinet Players Guide to Success – The Short Version

I.       Inspection

            A.  Inspect for cracks in all joints and bell

            B.  Inspect tightness of tension rings

            C.  Inspect tenon corks and mouthpiece cork

                        1.  Cracked, worn corks should be replaces

                        2.  Dirty, compressed cork can be cleaned with denatured alcohol and a rag

                        3.  Fit should be snug with cork grease applied, never loose

            D.  Pad quality

                        1.  Check for torn, frayed, discolored, or hard pads

                        2.  Leaks

                                    a.  Individual pads may leak (use play test, eyes, light, or feeler gauges)

                                                I.  Adjust pad seating (reseat with heat)

                                                II.  Use of cork on some keys (octave, etc.)

                                    b.  Pads must close together (adjust screws or feet)

            E.  Check cork on feet

                        1.  Bridge adjustment

                        2.  Inspect all keys on bottom tenon (crossover keys)

                                    a.  C,C#, and B must work with one finger, not both

            F.  Inspect all screws and springs

                        1.  Replace rusted springs

                        2.  Check for secure fit

            G.  Key Movement

                        1.  Do all keys move freely?

                        2.  Lazy keys could mean bent rod, lack of oil, or lack of spring tension

            H.  Rods

                        1.  Play in between keys and posts

                        2.  Rusted or dirty rods

                        3.  Loose parts (repairs ASAP!)

II.  Prevention

          A.  Keep clarinet clean (use soft, clean rag to polish daily)

                        1.  MOUTHPIECE!!

                                    a.  Clean with toothpaste and warm (not hot) water

                                    b.  Do not try to sterilize with mouthwashes, etc.

            B.  Keep clarinet well oiled

                        1.  Syringe or key oil dropper and Q-Tip

                        2.  Work chromatically to insure all keys are oiled

III.  Necessary Items

          A.  Quality mouthpiece and cap

                        1.  Get professional facings (Gigliotti, Vandoren, Selmer)

            B.  Quality ligature (Bonade Harrison, or Rovner)

            C.  Key oil and Q-Tip/cork grease

            D.  Swab

            E.  Quality reeds (many choices, but Vandoren or Mitchell Laurie are good)

            F.  Reedmate (provides flat surface and humidity control)

            G.  400 grit sandpaper (for flattening reeds)

            H.  Fine File

IV.  Reed Care

          A.  Soak new reeds for 30 minutes, 3times, before playing

                        1.  Store on cut side to dry between soakings

            B.  Using thumb, rub fibers down 40-50 times in same direction

            C.  Soak again

            D.  (optional) using knife or razor, scrape ridge down before playing

            E.  Do not overplay reeds for first few times

            F.  Have at least 2 reeds ready to play always

            G.  Some reeds will play off center better than straight

            H.  Light oil (aromatics) can help to condition reeds quicker