5 Maintenance Tips to Keep Your (Bass) Clarinet Humming

Does your instrument sound like a fart? Does your mouthpiece smell like one? Do the keys look like one?
Sometimes we forget that our instrument is a delicate piece of machinery, and we treat it badly. Let's take a look at how to keep things working smoothly and looking great.
Tip 1: Polish your instrument to keep the plating healthy (1:04)
Tips 2-3: Tools and key/screw/joint maintenance (4:26)
Tip 4: When, where and how to grease up (10:28)
Tip 5: Cleaning a mouthpiece properly (12:46)

[@Steteorype]

If only my director gives me time to actually clean the instrument after each rehearsal

[@liebestraumboi3366]

Ikr

[@FredX1919]

True!

[@mattmiller8614]

Bring it home?

[@FKYEAH211]

Steteorype True I have a bass clarinet she releases us after the bell, and I’m always late.

[@powerfull6781]

thats so me rn

[@keithbradbury4032]

A lot of that black stuff coming on the polishing rag is silver. The polish is a mild abrasive. Try polishing a clean piece of silver to see how black the rag gets. I don't know how long the plating will last if you polish it every day.

[@周紫泉]

Keith Bradbury you’re not supposed to. He didn’t say to clean up everyday. You’re supposed to just wipe it with a cloth everyday

[@orlandorodriguez4937]

Great video! I use my schools bass clarinet. It's at least a few decades old there's no fix for the poor bass clarinet :(

[@robhonda9389]

omg same here!!!

[@Grayscale1027]

Mines held together by rubber bands xD

[@metalchick5926]

Orlando Rodriguez Right?!!! Poor things are standing on their last legs lol.

[@rosellaaj3709]

Metal Chick Couldn't agree more ;(

[@starjustice9908]

Orlando Rodriguez same here.... it's all messed up but this video helped with a few things

[@JimBenson]

Great tip about the calcium buildup. Never thought about what the white stuff was and always just tried to rub it off (unsuccessfully).

[@nefertitiherbert9216]

Thank you for this! These are really simple fixes for things that happen all the time! I know proper cleaning technique for my bass clarinet, I just tend to get lazy which I now feel terrible about!

[@puppychan5797]

Thank You!! I'm playing a super old contrabass that the school gave me, and I thought that it was unplayable because all the keys were tarnished. I very much appreciate this.

[@blackapollo]

Very valuable video, thank you! Although of course I now feel deep shame at what I thought were adequate cleaning steps.

[@Cookiedough636]

I have a school bass clarinet and it's pretty bad... I keep getting problems with it.

[@Mitskienthusiast]

Lol.... since school just started I switched to bass clarinet and it is gross. I am sure dirt is building in the neck/ barrel thing. I came here to fix that thing and make sure I am doing it right.

[@narni5705]

MRC Fan omg same school started a month ago for me and i see this gross stuff in the mouth piece and the keys and around the keys are getting dusty also the inside looks crusty

[@SenseiSake]

At my school they clean the bass clarinet it’s just we have to buy the mouth piece, ligature, and reeds. Also a swab..I started play the bass clarinet three years ago. The bass clarinets you guys have where probably from other students using the bass clarinet...

[@RalphTaylor-ds5qq]

Thanks, Michael. This is one video I've been looking for regarding bass clarinet care and maintenance.

[@pranavbatra3161]

Your tip on silver anti tarnish polish was a lifesaver!! Our school just got 2 new horns, 1 was issued to me and now it's shiny as hell!

[@think2023]

To remove oily residue ....methyl hydrate is great. To remove the silver plating...use polish regularly. Polish is like a sandpaper. ..the shine it creates is basically a bunch of very very fine scratches.

[@albertdraper1157]

Thank you so much. This video was extremely informative and helpful.

[@heitorcornelius]

thanks man! you're doing a great thing for humanity :)

[@erinseidel4434]

You should see my teachers bass clarinet over 30 years old the inside of the bell is green, it took me weeks to pull the mouth piece off. All sorts of oxidation. (We live in Florida)

[@jesseschultz2853]

Coconut oil works very well for cork grease

[@rg2ndchannel827]

I use a selmer Paris bass clarinet just like this one that is lent from the school. About 10 years old. And with this video we've been able to keep in much good playing order. Thank you very much for psoting

[@JRBecraftMPH]

Thanks. My ancient C clarinet is a pain. Can''t seem to get it to work. Multiple trips to repair shop. Love your attention and artistry with the bass. Want one of those Selmer 67's. :).

[@derycktrahair8108]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Your advice re calcium build up on m/piece was particularly helpful. We never stop learning.

[@joeg46Highlands]

if your bc body is two-piece those two sections should be separated at least at the end of the day, and the mouthpiece should be removed from the neck. If this is not done the cork will become more and more compressed, the joint will become slack and the two body sections will move out of alignment during practice/performance. It is possible to "rejuvenate" cork, but if done incorrectly it can strip the cork from the instrument. Plumbers' tape is an inelegant solution.

[@luise578]

This video was extremely helpful, none of my teachers knew how to get rid of the calcium build because they are all trumpet players.

[@PiotrLatoMusic]

I'll have to start a diligent polishing routine! I was told by a repairman and mouthpiece refacer to keep a reed (clean, with the tip chopped off) on the mouthpiece along with the lig and cap. Allegedly it protects the table when it's in the case, as well as keeps your ligature shaped to the piece. I don't think it's the only way to go, but I do find it convenient.

[@sam.batman27]

This video is extremely helpful to get into good habits

[@crazydhesi]

Thank you so much for this helpful video, maintenance has always been something I try to improve on. I was wondering, would it be possible to make a video of how to adjust the side rods with pliers and make sure they're straight? I've always had an issue with bent rods and I'm never sure which rod is the problem, so I end up sending the instrument and paying someone to fix something that I could probably do myself. Thank you! Best, Osman

[@RJBand10]

This was extremely helpful! Thank you!

[@lemongirl7270]

I just borrowed a bass clarinet from my school and it's absolutely disgusting. Is there a certain way I should clean the body of the instrument?

[@rosellaaj3709]

Same Dx

[@clarineat-er]

I cleaned my school one by taking the keys off and just cleaning the body with a cloth and using a pipe cleaner for the tone holes.. Key wise some brass polish and silver cleaning cloth but be careful not to wear the silver away. Good luck!

[@DaveMinot]

Great video! Since you had asked for topic ideas, how about one on practicing habits? Your thoughts on keeping motivated, organized and productive.

[@ethancampbell9096]

I'm going to start checking the screws. A few weeks a go, while at marching band practice a screw came out and the g key/ 2nd register d key came off and I didn't get to play for the rest of practice

[@owlplatinum388]

Can I also use the Hagerty silversmith polish on my regular clarinet?

[@earspasm]

It'd be much harder with the open rings. You'd get it all over the wood, and that's not a great idea.

[@liebestraumboi3366]

You can use a polishing cloth

[@alw532004]

i stared to play the bass clarinet and i think it is awsome when you play fury

[@anthonyblankenship3082]

Man I don't care how bad the corrosion is on the old bass clarinet, I want it, I need a better one

[@oscar7499]

Can all of this apply to clarinet?

[@livspohn336]

Wow this helped out so much!

[@torontoclarinetist]

Great video! Thanks!

[@ginasdiary504]

This made me realize I wasn't doing enough for my bass clarinet ! Can you please do a video on how to clean the neck of a bass clairent ?? I have quite bit of spit residue .

[@mrslinkydragon9910]

Wet a rag with methyl spirits and feed it through. Meths will clean away any gunk. Plus it dries really quickly

[@closetraiders8924]

this is a great video. Thank you! ... "or god forbid... FOOD...!"

[@CyrilWeinkove]

Excellent!

[@jerrykorten664]

The black that you see on the cloth is actually silver you are removing by using silver polish. Best to use chamois to dry and clean. Polish will wear away the silver.

[@coin777]

2:50 that's not tarnish that's the silver.

[@gillianmannebach5431]

How often do you have your bass clarinets serviced/tuned up? Will Hagerty's remove rust from a bell? D:

[@billwinkle3291]

Enjoying the videos! Where can the 'SLIP' cork grease be purchased?

[@earspasm]

I'd recommend against it actually. I've had a few tubes and they all get very sticky (not greasy) after just a year or so in the case. I'd go for a Dr. Slick product.

[@kyukyu8195]

I play tenor sax but I'm watching iy

[@evanhartman8602]

The tuner on the neck of my bass clarinet is stuck in, so you have any tips on how to get that unstuck. (Mine doesn’t have a screw)

[@earspasm]

Technician.

[@squida9850]

I dont think ive heard of a school bc thats not broken somehow

[@lukerosenkaimer5647]

Lol on the bass clarinet I played on in high school the octave key would get stuck if I didn't move it a few time back and forth

[@josephsteinman7224]

To prevent the screws and rods from backing out use a small amount of threadlocker on all of the screws and hinge rods and problems solved.

[@stevenshockley4237]

My 1/1 Eb won't play, and I'm not sure why. The bridge key doesn't go down enough to seal the key under the D key, and this kinda happened overnight...the bridge key screw is in all the way way so I'm stumped...not sure what else could affect the bridge key.

[@earspasm]

+Steven Shockley Okay, so here are two possibilities: 1) the cork on the bridge key that's on the bottom joint was scraped off. This happens when you aren't careful when putting the instrument together. This cork adds about 1-2mm height to the key (depending on the thickness of the cork). Or, 2) you bent the bridge key by mistake and didn't know it. I'd try the cork method first. Pick up some cork from here: (musicmedic.com/products/repair-supplies/materials/cork-products/natural-sheet-cork-assortments-all-6-thicknesses.html) Pick up a very shark x-acto knife (www.amazon.com/ELMERS-X-Acto-Knife-Silver-X3602/dp/B000V1QV7O). And get some cement to glue the new cork down (musicmedic.com/products/repair-supplies/adhesives/cement/barge-all-purpose-cement-36633.html) And if you don't have a small screwdriver set, get one. All told, you'll be spending about $20. Now, if you don't feel confident about this project, you can just take it to a repair person and they'll fix it for probably the same amount of money.

[@stevenshockley4237]

Thank you so much :) I think I'll be okay doing it myself thankfully. My neck is unstuck so that's solved. Sorry for bombarding you with issues, I'm just still getting familiar with Bass Clarinet repair...lol

[@patrickthedoublebassist5505]

hey how do you clean the bottom of the bell ? mine is extremly dirty

[@Heatsiar]

you can use water just don't get any water in the pads

[@Heatsiar]

what I do is I take it off the bass clarinet fill my sink or bathtub with warm water soak it with body wash or just soak it with water then take an old toothbrush or wash cloth and clean the inside and outside

[@instrumentguy7574]

@@Heatsiar you're stupid. Seriously you give it a bath?

[@jakebramhall4593]

Note: SILVER TARNISHES BROWN AND NICKEL TARNISHES A DULL GRAY!! Make sure you get the right stuff for your clarinet

[@ethancampbell9096]

What should you use to polish nickel keys?

[@julianruiz8524]

+Earspasm Music What kind of bass clarinet do you use

[@dankstin8895]

help! why does my open g sound extremely sharp on my bass clarinet?!?! i have a concert soon :(((

[@amyleefeng]

dankstin maybe one of the keys is loose and changes the sound?

[@bclislife]

Great video, Michael! One question, though. Why is a mouthpiece with Calcium on it bad? Forgive me if this is a dumb question; I'm new to this instrument, haha.

[@earspasm]

It's not bad actually. It's just, well, kinda gross.

[@Phoenix3568]

Quick thoughts: Lemon Juice and water also works for mouthpiece cleaning. Do you keep a dry old reed on your mouthpiece to protect the facing?

[@earspasm]

Phoenix3568 nope. A reed never sits on my mouthpiece when it's not in use.

[@keithcogane962]

Hey, I know this is an old video, but I had a question, (I know you still upload). My saxophone is a fine piece of nickle, which would be one of my questions, does hagerty work on nickle?, I do have silver keys. Also, for my Saxophone, is it better to buy the spray, or the standard bottle, because I want to also try it on a clarinet. (I'm not sure if it's relevant, but my Saxophone is black nickle).

[@sam.batman27]

If we were to buy the repair kit for bass clarinet would it be best to get a clarinet or saxophone one?

[@mariankastelmach9788]

can i use the silver polish on black nickel plating?

[@bmprice41]

Thanks, again, for the videos! BUT- where can we buy some of that 'SLIP' Grease? Sounds like a great product!

[@ZiSlepovitch]

+Benjamin Price I have come across Doctor's Products cork grease (and other woodwind products as well) and i stocked on those, same thing, no petroleum, all-natural formula, good stuff.

[@FRRGC]

can you do a video on different reeds? hardness, brand, and if you can, material (I heard about synthetic plastic reeds that have a bunch of bonuses, with the only downside being that they're really bright, so I'd like an expert's opinion)

[@LowReedExpert1]

contrary to the username, om no expert lol But i have spent some years on plastic. The only exceptable brand i found was Legere, not too bright ready to play, and since its solid plastic the tone is actually very good. Plastic does play alot more open than wood though, get a 4.5 or wood and one of plastic and plastic will always be more difficult. You do get used to it, but its a pain Hope that helped a little

[@FRRGC]

LowReedExpert1 first off, thank you very much. 2nd, would you say there's a distinct or significant difference in tone (to where you could tell from a distance if someone was using plastic or wood)?

[@LowReedExpert1]

TheOzzySabbath Not with Legere, however Fibracell and BARI did sound a bit off. Theres also another one (kinda started making people hate plastic reeds) called plasticover, they just wrap plastic on reed cane. Terrible and barely resonates for tone

[@hankfratus7052]

Does this happen with all instruments that are silver keyed?

[@jakgff5885]

Wow just washed all 3 of my mouthpieces yesterday and I used a HEAVY duty brush cus of all the calcium buildup. Just just I just wish I watched this video earlier.

[@queencitychamberorchestra9159]

Where can one acquire "Slip?"

[@rdraznik]

I'm a retired Metallurgist and clarinet player....Expert former, Amateur later.....I don't agree that this stuff is good to use. Second: poor plating is the real cause of the wear. Perspiration is what the maker wants you to believe. Just use a plain cloth.

[@erickettunen3993]

I fully agree. I am also a retired metallurgical engineer. I would never use silver polish on my Yamaha 622 bass clarinet. A good plain soft cloth is all that is needed. Do not wreck your instrument.

[@davidwinfrey2861]

What tightness do you tighten the screws to? Like how do I know when to stop?

[@_-_Xander_-_]

I got a loaner and it is absolute garbage and I need to fix sticky pads (thx music man)

[@huhyuhhh9201]

Also I my bass the only one who doesn’t have two whole different pieces? Like the lower and upper half are connected.

[@fsdhuy]

you probably have a low Eb model that comes in one big body piece, he has a low C that has to be split. There are some low Eb basses that come in 2 (jupiters, and yamaha)

[@vrit2112]

My neck isn't tightening. No matter how tight the screw is, it doesn't change a thing. The neck is loose. Any TIPS? Thanks from UK

[@grima5788]

Burger King French Fries Check to make sure your neck screw is lined up so that the screw enters through the untreaded bore first, and then the treaded one. 👌

[@ab4zr1]

You may have the screw screwed in from the wrong side.

[@louisdoherty1480]

Does the silversmith polish work on nickel?

[@earspasm]

+Tools240 Good question. I think so, but don't take my word for it.

[@benjaminbell885]

How do you get tarnish off the ligature? I use an optimum

[@sophtheloaf9950]

I love you glasses 😍

[@justinv9413]

Do you have custom mouth piece inserts?

[@bleronlota3453]

Someone please tell me were can i buy this silversmiths polish

[@mw45678blt]

how do I adjust my keys ? they stick up on my bass clarinet and it takes too long to press down

[@Heatsiar]

find any screws that need to be tightened see if any Springs aren't on right if it's sticking because of moisture you can use a dollar bill and go under it to dry it off

[@sh4dow500]

I need help because everytime I play the low b-flat key it puts the low b natural key down so it plays low A instead of low b-flat please help me , does the key oil help?

[@earspasm]

I recommend getting a little screwdriver (like the kind you use to tighten eyeglasses) and LOOSEN the rod screw just above the Bb key. See if that helps. It's also possible there is some gunk between those two keys, so cleaning that out might be needed. In that case you may have to remove the rod (carefully!) at which point those keys will pop off (along with the G key). Then you can clean between them with a soft cloth or paper towel. Clean the rod as well (it'll probably be black with oil). Finally, oil the cleaned rod with some key oil (ONLY key oil!) and reassemble the keys, along with the springs. IF that sounds too complicated, bring it to a repairman. It'll take literally 5 minutes to fix.

[@richardfreda5737]

Great video. I am looking to get one of my school's bass clarinets playable for a student. When I press the middle F/low Bb key down (first finger right hand), the other two keys press down as well (middle E and D). They are not working independently. Is this something I can fix myself with a decent amount of repair knowledge or send it out? Thanks

[@earspasm]

Yep. Repairman.

[@earspasm]

On second thought, try removing the screw which holds all of those rods onto the posts (it's a long screw) and see if you can clean the gunk out between the rods once removed. That might solve it.

[@richardfreda5737]

Worked perfectly! Thank you.

[@DoomBringer2000000]

Is this a regular bass clarinet or contrabass or subcontrabass

[@patrickthedoublebassist5505]

It is a low c bass clarinet

[@christianduncan3801]

My bass clarinet has a small problem. When I play the Bb in the middle of the staff, the top register key comes up a little. How do I fix it?

[@Heatsiar]

look to see if any springs are looks or of any screws need to be screwed in it happens to me a lot because one of my springs always gets loose you can get a screwdriver or a instrument screw thing don't know what its called lol but the instrument one works better

[@christianduncan3801]

Nightcore I have. The thing just needs to be repaired. it rarely gets played so the directors dont think to have it repaired

[@Heatsiar]

Ok

[@pookelaa]

would the silversmith Polish remove corrosion already on the keys?

[@nicolaskuhnert5702]

Probably not

[@AmaniWilkins]

Okay so I got a problem. One day my bass was being amazing as usual but then all of a sudden the lower half would not play. So then my other bass clr friend tried to fix it and I think he popped something, where the joints need to line up. Well now it won't play any high notes and it's really frustrating. I checked almost ever single screw that could be out and I tighten them and it actually got worse when I tighten it. Ughhh and my solo consists of variations of High notes. Someone, anyone, please help. I have no idea what the problem can be 😔

[@Heatsiar]

Amani Wilkins did you check the springs? anything sticking down?

[@Davis011700]

I have a Bb bass clarinet, and my bottom Eb key is sticking to the bell. And I can't figure out how to make it quit. What do you suggest?

[@earspasm]

I suggest you post a short video. I can't diagnose what I can't see...

[@ClaraArianaSpears]

When you put instrument together, hold that key down.

[@Heatsiar]

did you recently get a pad on it or spill something on it that was sticky? try using a glasses cloth no water or anything liquidy try wiping it and if that doesn't work try taking it somewhere

[@mikeayensu-mensah8050]

where did you get your newer bass clarinet? and how much did it cost?

[@earspasm]

It was a custom order from Selmer. They only made one.

[@manswine7735]

so based on his comment it was probably anywhere from 10 to 20 thousand

[@mikebrady01]

One thing that I do as well, is to wash my hands immediately before practicing.

[@DietterichLabs]

Concentrated hydrochloric acid removes calcium carbonate deposits much quicker. You do have to worry about corrosive fumes, however.

[@lilytaylor2545]

Can you use Lysol wipes to clean the keys

[@earspasm]

Lily Taylor Nononononononono. Please don't.

[@lilytaylor2545]

OK thank you for answering

[@SimplyARobin]

Where can you buy SLIP?

[@earspasm]

+SimplyARobin I don't think it's available any more. Check out this site. I've used their stuff and it's good. doctorsprod.com/cbuy/supplies/cork-grease

[@morgangarza5603]

SO I ACCIDENTLY TWISTED MY BASS CLARINET BACKWARDS HOW DO I FIX IT ????????

[@samanthatoad2211]

morgan garza how the fuck

[@Heatsiar]

morgan garza what do you mean? like the entire half of it backwards??

[@marekmaciejewski9808]

Mouthpieces on the 15 minutes in lemon juice and is clean

[@isabellavillaneuva5476]

can this work for a clarinet

[@isabellavillaneuva5476]

plz respond

[@awsometaco0611]

Isabella Villaneuva It wouldn't be as safe for the open holes, wouldn't recommend

[@Pleconium]

why am i watching this i play flute

[@tippinenis]

plec why am I watching this, I play the bassoon

[@mchenrymaney262]

They’re built the same way. If you play clarinet, you could theoretically repair a flute, and Vice Versa.

[@angstygyroscope7979]

Same

[@andioopsksk5545]

I play the bb clarinet don’t really know why I’m watching this

[@fsdhuy]

cuz it can still apply to you

[@huhyuhhh9201]

My silver plating is so tarnished it’s white.

[@aidanknox2430]

1 problem. no bass clarinet. anyone else?

[@mireyasoriano330]

can I clean my keys with a wet cloth with soap on it?

[@earspasm]

+Cute_ penguin_15 NONONONONONONONOOOOOooooooooo! No.

[@mireyasoriano330]

Ok thank you, can I just do it with water?

[@earspasm]

+Cute_ penguin_15 www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AH8K4U/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687642&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0023691PY&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=01G0AXCXM19D5JBR58HD

[@manswine7735]

+Earspasm Music Lmao it's like saying, "can I clean my trumpet with varnish remover"

[@manswine7735]

Earspasm Music I dont have the polish, if I want to clean up my bell can I use a damp microfiber or will that damage the metal

[@ThetRandomChannel]

would you consider selling your old bass haha :p

[@earspasm]

sure. $1,000,000 and it's yours.

[@Dan-qx6ol]

Steve Jobs?

[@omdahlre]

.....people leave their reeds attached to the mouth pieces when they're done playing??? *shudders* ewwwww, who DOES that!?!?

[@PrinceSwaggy]

Rachel I do at times

[@spheyuh]

I used to but then I realized how gross it was lol

[@liebestraumboi3366]

*traumatic memories from 6th grade band*