Hey all--ok first I am gonna give u some back ground info on my clarient so maybe it will be easier to help me with my question---I have a 1966 Buffet R-13 Bb. It has NEVER cracked and I play on it with a Clarke Fobes CF+ mouthpiece and a Moening Buffet barrel. I have had this clarinet for approx. 1 year. I was told that I would never have to oil it because the wood had proven itself and would not need oil---EVER. However, I am in highschool and my case does get a little beat up. I was wondering if I need to oil it now? I DO NOTTTT use this clarinet in marching band because I was told it would crack if I took it out anytime. I play on a Vito V-40 for marching; and here`s my other question: even though this instrument is put through heck and high water being in marching, it won`t melt if I put I put it on the ground, will it? When we do stretches, we are required to set down our instrument. I live in the fort wort area in Texas and right now the temp. soars past 100 every day...Sorry this is so long. lol...please help.
Thanks
Amber

no you dont need to oil it just cos the case is beat up, get a new case if ur worried. i don`t no about the plastic one?

I used to march here in Miami- where the temperatures around marching season do the same type of soaring, lol. I have put down my Selmer every day and it has not melted. We`re required to have towels for our instruments to set them down on, and since it`s so big for my clarinet I just cover it blanket style with the other half of the towel. This keeps it from getting too hot, because I remember picking it up one day before I started that ritual and the keys in certain areas as well as the body were almost too hot for me to touch. I suggest you use my towel idea or put it somewhere in the shade or something.

Bradley

P.S.- I oil my once clarinet every year and I think that`s about how often you should do yours if you plan on oiling it since mine is a lot newer but I live in a humid climate while you live in a drier climate even though your clarinet is old.

i oil mine about once every 6 months i have had it for just over a year

Hi, Amber -

I`m trying to clean up an old Signet and found this article... http://www.ocr.woodwind.org/articles/Other%20Authors/prescott1.html

I need to get a new screwdriver for taking the keys off as the one I started to use is a little too small and started to twist the end of the metal instead of the screws.

It`s actually quite fun to be taking it apart to really give it a good cleaning!

Linda