Why is my mouthpiece Brown?
Too much exposure to light or heat can cause this. It happens more with some pieces than others — what is going on is that ebonite is naural latex rubber and sulphur cured under high temperature and pressure so that the sulphur and latex crosslink together and harden.
What is the yellow stuff on my clarinet mouthpiece?
The yellow stuff is probably calcium deposits an if you soak it in white vinegar they will go away.
How do you fix a discolored clarinet mouthpiece?
If there are stubborn calcium deposits, make a solution of 25:1 room temperature water to vinegar, or one cup of water with a cap full of white vinegar. Submerge the mouthpiece into the solution and wait for about an hour checking it often. The calcium deposits should loosen so you can wipe them out with cotton swabs.
How often should I replace my clarinet mouthpiece?
In general, mouthpieces DO wear down over time due to the normal wear and tear that it is subject to during performance, as well as breakdown from saliva. Even the reed vibration alone is enough to, over time, physically change a mouthpiece. On average, regular players seem to notice these changes after 2-3 years.
Why does my clarinet mouthpiece smell bad?
A bad clarinet smell typically comes from bacteria or mold growing inside the instrument. After playing, if the clarinet is not swabbed out and the mouthpiece wiped, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria and mold to thrive in. You can also get a funky smell from the reed, case, or keys.
Why is my mouthpiece yellow?
Discoloration on a mouthguard is, often, a good sign proper cleaning isn’t happening. It’s not uncommon for people to let saliva sit in the guard, and over time, this can create a yellowing effect.
Why is my clarinet mouthpiece green?
Why did my mouthpiece turn greenish brown? Ebonite mouthpieces can oxidize. Most often this occurs because of excessive exposure to sunlight and/or hot water. To help prevent this, we recommend washing mouthpieces with room temperature water and a mild soap, or a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl rubbing alcohol and water.
Is it safe to play on a tarnished mouthpiece?
There’s the baking soda-aluminum foil thing that’s great for removing tarnish – especially on small things like mouthpieces. Just wash it thoroughly after. Tarnish doesn’t affect it’s play or safety, only it’s looks.
Why is my mouthpiece turning black?
It’s just tarnish. If you tend to leave your mouthpiece out, then it will slowly tarnish and turn kind of black.
What happens if you don’t clean your clarinet?
If they don’t clean out their instruments on a regular basis, black mold can build up inside and cause a condition called “Saxophone Lung.” At the conference, researchers described a case of a clarinetist who neglected to clean his instrument for some 30 years and suffered the consequences.
Can you clean a clarinet mouthpiece with vinegar?
Rinse the mouthpiece with cold water. If there are any lime deposits (beak, baffle), dip the toothbrush in a cup of white vinegar and gently rub the affected parts. Repeat several times if necessary.
How do you remove yellow stains from mouth guards?
Soak the night guard in distilled white vinegar for at least 30 minutes. After soaking, rinse the night guard and the bowl with water. Then soak the night guard in hydrogen peroxide for at least 30 more minutes. Once finished, rinse with water and allow the night guard to dry completely.
How do you clean a clarinet mouthpiece with lemon juice?
But rest assured, it happens to the best of us, and the following solution is easy and harmless to your mouthpiece.
- What type of lemon juice?
- The best vessel for your cleaning…
- Place your mouthpiece into the juice and let sit for five to ten minutes.
- Rinse away the crud.
- Dry your mouthpiece.
How long do clarinet mouthpieces last?
Mouthpieces tend to last around 3-4 years (some people believe even less) before they start to wear out. For this reason, it is important to consider the option of mouthpiece crafting. Mouthpiece craftmen are specialised in maintaining, restoring and refacing old mouthpieces.