how can I clean the assorted mouth pieces? Chromatic
Wed, 07/26/2017 - 13:56
I am wondering how to get the back side of mouth pieces,slide plate,blank plate,more clean. I scrubbed them but still a residue persists. maybe even lightly corroding.. They are 20 plus years old.. I already deburred some sharp edges and metal high spots.. This made them work better. They are still discolored and a residue / build up on these items..
I purchased a metal polish that is non toxic, can I use this to polish them? Or is there a better suggestion that you can offer? Thank you.
Thu, 07/27/2017 - 12:13
#2
steel wool is a great Idea, I
steel wool is a great Idea, I will try that..Thank you..k..
Abrasives and solvents are your two main agents.
Blackie Schackner (great player who wrote a whole book on chromatic maintenance) recommended using steel wool to clean slide parts, either 00 or 000; I don't remember which. The point is to use something that isn't so gross that it scratches the metal or removes finishes. I'd avoid all but the very finest sandpapers for the same reason. However, if you also have pitting and corrosion, you might need to get a bit more aggressive. (You might also be able to buy replacement parts or harvest them off dead instruments.)
Metal polish is in fact also abrasive. I've found that some were too aggressive when used on reedplates. They got the gunk off but also seemed to reduce needed tightness. Airtightness is just as important in slide parts. One metal polish that I've used without problems is MAAS metal polish.
Using something non-toxic is of course desirable. I remember hearing about some harp techs using extremely toxic (but also extremely effective) stuff like naval jelly, but then rinsing very, very thoroughly.
Another place to ask this kind of question is on the forum at Slidemeister.com, an all-chromatic forum with a fair population of tinkerers.