can i still use it if i am careful? or is it ruined once the cork starts tearing? b/c a few days ago i was playing and as i was taking it apart, i heard a tearing sound, and it got worse as i twisted it out, so i had to pull it out. ugh. the cork always seemed a bit too thick. it was harder to twist out than my other one. i don`t want to get a new cork. my teacher already spent $91 in repairs for this thing.

If the cork is too thick, you can sand it down with a medium grit sandpaper. If you are careful and the cork will still create a seal, it should work. Otherwise, getting it recorked is fairly inexpensive.

thanks!

err, what do you mean by the cork still being able to create a seal? i think i might try working on the bocal cork a bit and if nothing works i`ll bring it to my band directors attention.

oh shiit. nevermind. i tried greasing it but when i put it in again it tore even further apart... haha. why did i even try... grr. oh well. recorking only costs like $10 right?

use vaseline instead of cork grease