Cleaning my CX-12
Fri, 06/14/2024 - 06:35
Hi Winslow! My CX-12 is becoming harder to play because the valves are sticking and the reedplates needs some cleaning. It's OK to soak the reedplates in warm water and then cleaning the reedplates and valves gently with absorbent kitchen paper? Thanks in advance.
Sorry to take so long replying.
Yes, reedplates, disassembled from the comb, in warm water is fine. Soaking the entire reedblock is inadvisable as the screws can rust inplace and water can get trapped in the voids in the comb. Also, if you need to clean an inside valve, you need to unmount the reedplates anyway.
And paper that has a slightly rough surface and won't disintegrate when wet or introduce unwanted fibers is fine. I'd avoid paper towels for both reasons. Better to use a strip cut from a brown paper grocery bag or maybe a coffee filter.