care for wood mouthpiece?

[SteveZ]

what, if anything, do i have to do to properly care for an ebony wood mouthpiece? what do i use to clean it? am i supposed to use oil of some sort, etc.?

thanks in advance

[Toni Linder]

Sugal makes Grenadilla wood mouthpieces. If I remember right, he recommends to use normal cooking oil - and don't forget to clean the mouthpiece regularly!

[rrex54]

I can't swear to experience or expertise in this area, but the cooking oil suggestion rings a bell. Check the "publications" page here:

http://www.naylors-woodwind-repair.com/

Naylor has experimented extensively with various oil treatments for clarinets and presents good evidence for the use of organic (as opposed to mineral) oils. He does not reveal the formula (and claims there are two slightly different one's he uses -- one for maintainence and one for restoration). However, on other sites I've seen mention that the blend is 3 or 4 parts olive oil to 1 part almond oil -- with (importantly) a bit of Vitamin E added to prevent oxidation of the oil (rancidity).

[Stretch]

I have a couple of wooden flutes....I store them in their cases in a plastic bag in the basement where the humidty is more constant. I have had flutes crack on me before and it is no fun believe me.

[Tonehole]

Okay boys started on and properly trained on clarinet . Simple process to maintain wood clarinets and mouthpieces. First oil with Almond oil, not difficult to find. Secound do not over oil, the wood will become sodden. Third I oil my clarinets once a year if needed, and that is in the fall just as the leaves change colour. This seals the moisture in the wood so it does not dry out over the winter.

[Subtone Sam]

I used Dr. Kysers Lemon Oil on a wood Ponzol piece I used to have.

[Bootman]

You could also try Cold Press almond oil which works very well on wooden clarinets and flutes too.

[woodwindmaster06]

SteveZ- Is this a pomarico mouthpiece, if so for tenor or alto and how do you like it?

[SteveZ]

It's a tenor Lebayle jazz model. wonderful piece. Has a very sweet, deep, singing sound with the right amount of edge. Very comparable to my old hard rubber Otto Link, but with a bit more projection. haven't tried the Pomarico, so no help there i'm afraid.

[Markus]

I also play on a Lebayle Jazz. Fred Lebayle answered my questions due to handling of the mpc with the following hints:

About the care of the mpc, you have only to put twice or three times per
year a little bit of line oil or olive oil.
The most important thing that you have to do and that is going to keep the
live of your wood mpc is drying it very good after everytime that you play,
that's is the most important thing to keep in mind.

I use the mpc for since 10/2002 and it looks nearly like new.

Markus