6.12.13

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.

Moisture can cause corrosion on some metals. For instance, corrosion on nickel and brass occurs due to chemical reaction known as oxidation. This reaction takes place in the presence of moisture. This fact clearly shows the importance of keeping your instruments dry at all times. Wood instruments should be kept dry to prevent them from absorbing moisture that lead to cracking. Excess moisture on wood can make it expand and eventually split. Make sure that any moisture seen on the surface of these instruments is wiped out immediately in order to make them last long.

The woodwind instruments have pads that are used to cover the holes so as to produce different sounds. If the pads absorb water, they become wet and may not be able to cover the holes well. This makes the instrument unable to produce high quality sound. To improve the quality of sound produced by the woodwind instrument, ensure that the pads are dry at all times.

Body Acids can also cause harm to your instruments. Perspiration from hands leads to production of some acids that can affect metals. Such acids may include lactic, traces of hydrochloric acid, among others. Some of the perspiration is alkaline but may be harmful just like the acids. You should keep the instruments free from perspiration by cleaning them regularly. Consider wiping out all the perspiration after using the instrument.

The saliva of human beings also contains some corrosive acids. A good example is the carbonic acid. You can also find other acids formed from different types of foods consumed. These acids attack the soft solder that is used in most instruments. To eliminate such acids, you need to clean the inside of your instruments after use.

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 matter can also affect the quality of sound produced by musical instruments. A surprising amount of foreign materials and that accumulate in wind instruments can cause blockage if not cleaned out. This could also be unhealthy because the food materials can enter into your lungs and cause some health complications.

Corrosion may also attack the piston valves of your musical instruments. Foreign substances are also likely to accumulate in the piston valves rendering them inefficient. If dirt builds up in these pistons, the entire instrument may not work properly. You must ensure that all the dirt is removed for the instruments to be efficient. Consider looking for an instrument cleaning professional to do the work on your behalf.




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