The clarinet is one of the most versatile of the woodwind instruments. A wood clarinet does require more care and maintenance than its plastic counterparts. However, this is more than repaid by the quality of the sound and the quality of the instrument itself. Basic care consists of cleaning, oiling, pad replacement, key and cork repairs.
To clean a clarinet after playing, take a soft microfiber swab (sold in music stores) and run it down the inside of the clarinet multiple times. This will help remove the moisture which in turn will help prevent cracking. It is also recommended to occasionally take a lint free cloth and wipe off the keys. The oils left behind from fingers during playing can create premature tarnishing on the keys.
Many professionals also recommend the use of bore oil to keep the interior part of the wood in good shape. For the inside of the clarinet, put a small amount of natural bore oil on a cloth and run it through the body of the instrument. Always take care that the cloth does not have an excessive amount of oil as too much oil can cause playing problems. Oiling only needs to take place every few months.
When the pads on the keys begin to become damaged, the quality of playing will decrease unless they are replaced. Pad replacement should be done by a repair technician at a music store. Other repairs that should be done by repair technicians are any key adjustments or cork replacements. Incorrect repairs to the keys and corks can cause damage to the instrument.
If properly cared for, a wooden instrument will not be prone to cracking or other damage. Instead, the clarinet will provide many years of musical enjoyment and performance to the player regardless of skill level. Check out noblet clarinets or Selmer paris clarinet.
