How often should you put cork grease on a clarinet?

When a clarinet is new you should use cork grease every time you put the instrument together for the first week or two. After that, the corks will soak up some of the grease and you only need to use it once or twice a week.

Can you put Vaseline on clarinet cork?

Typically petroleum jelly (like Vaseline), lip balm, and lanolin are used as cork grease alternatives. A good cork grease will both preserve and lubricate the cork but not harm your instrument.

How do you take care of a new clarinet?

During the first two weeks of using a new instrument, do not play it for more than 20-30 minutes at a stretch. Before using the instrument, apply a small amount of cork grease to the end face to make it moisture-proof. After using the instrument, thoroughly wipe off any moisture from the internal surfaces of the body.

How long does clarinet Cork last?

Cork pads are very similar to silicon pads in terms of elasticity. They wear out for replacement after about five years. On the other hand, silicon pads last up to ten years if they don’t get lost.

Do I need cork grease?

Cork grease is a tube or container of grease that you apply to the corks of your woodwind instrument to soften the cork and make putting the pieces of the instrument together easier. Without cork grease, the corks of your instrument would quickly become dry and stiff, making it difficult to assemble the instrument.

What do you use cork grease for?

How do you keep a wooden clarinet from cracking?

In order to protect the clarinet from cracking during cold periods, it is essential that after taking the instrument out of its case, you warm it up by putting it inside a coat or pressing it against your body. Avoid playing the instrument until it is properly acclimatized to room temperature.

Is cork grease toxic?

Cork grease is made with ingredients such as elm extract, organic sunflower oil, coconut oil and hemp seed oil. In the past it was made from animal fat. It is not toxic to humans.

What can I use instead of cork grease on my clarinet?

In an emergency virtually any animal based grease will work (and at least not destroy the cork like vaseline and most commercial cork greases.)

Is it OK to leave your clarinet assembled?

While you can leave a clarinet assembled after a session, you still have to take it apart to dry its parts thoroughly after practice, and store away the reed. Once re-assembled, you can put the clarinet on a stand although it might collect dust and dirt in the tone holes and between the keys.