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Thứ Bảy, 7 tháng 12, 2013

The Importance Of Instrument Cleaning

By Angela Briggs


It is crucial to have your musical instruments inspected regularly. This inspection helps you find out whether the instruments need to be cleaned so as to produce the highest quality sound. Discussed in this peace is the significance of musical instrument cleaning and the best way of doing it.

First, you need to keep the instruments dry at all times. Nickel or brass musical instruments can corrode easily if they are exposed to moisture. This is because moisture contains oxygen which causes oxidation when it mixes with water. You should always keep your instruments dry in order to prevent corrosion. Also, wooden instruments absorb water. This can make them expand thus distorting their original shape. Ensure that excess moisture is wiped out so as to make your instruments serve you for long.

Certain instruments such as the woodwind have pads that cover holes that are used for producing different tones. When the pads become wet, they cannot properly cover the holes so as to produce quality sound. It is advisable that you keep the pads dry so that they can perform their work as required. Wipe out any moisture that settles on them using a dry piece of cloth. This will make them remain dry all the time.

Acids from the body may also cause harm to your music instruments. These acids usually come out of the body through a process known as perspiration. They include hydrochloric acid, lactic, and many others. Such acids attack metals such as brass, aluminum and nickel. To prevent your instruments from being attacked by these acids, wipe out the perspiration every time you use your musical instruments.

The saliva from the mouth also contains some acids that may attack metal. For instance, carbonic acid is usually present in the saliva. Other acids are also formed in the mouth depending on the kind of food eaten and the hygienic condition of the mouth. Soft solder is affected by acids from saliva. Areas that are soldered can be eaten out entirely by these saliva acids. That is why the inside of musical instruments should be cleaned thoroughly in order to remove these acids.

Some people use water instead of oil to lubricate their instruments. Note that water contains some salts. These salts form white substances on the pistons and slides of musical instruments and act as abrasives. They can cause wearing out metals such as chromium and nickel. Examples of such salts include calcium and magnesium. If you live in areas where water is salty or hard, consider using distilled water to lubricate rotary valves and new pistons.

Foreign materials can also harm your instruments. Food particles or any other stuff can cause blockage in wind instruments. Note that instruments with some blockages cannot produce quality sound. Materials that cause such blockage should be cleaned immediately. Remember that they may find their way to your lungs as you blow the instrument, which is actually health hazard.

Corrosion may also occur on piston valves. Foreign materials may also accumulate in the same piston valves. The affected valves may not work properly. Note that valves are fitted tightly and a small amount of dirt between the piston and the casing may cause a lot of problems. It is therefore advisable to have your instrument inspected regularly. You can hire a professional in instrument cleaning to thoroughly inspect your instruments.




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