Hello,

I have had the luck to get a vintage 1937 Conn 444n Bb clarinet. I was just wondering how often is it necessary to use the bore oil on such an old instrument...

Can anyone please advise, please ?

Thanks a lot in advance

Tomas

clarinet manufacturers use oils basically in wood to prevent it from absorbing water, as water would cause issues for wood.

I normally check a clarinets top socket of the barrel as an indicator. If the socket looks dry and lighter in color then you know that section needs some bore oil.

if you put your pinky into the barrel bore and it is rough, then I use that as an indicator for bore oil there too.

You can use the same method for the rest of the clarinet too

but keep in mind oiling a bore many see as not needed, etc. Though many will tout its benefits. As other will tout the benefits of particular type of oils. As an example Selmer Paris puts the bodies into pressurized tanks for applying oil (linseed actually) into the wood.

but the question of "how often" is superceded by learning to identify when it needs it as climate/weather, how often you play etc may dictate exactly when those periods are.

of course, some clarinets bores are better finished than others, and being "rough" may be the norm. you have to be able to identify "rough" versus "that was the way it was reamed". Which becomes easier once you know how to identify reaming marks - unless they were polished out.

but before you go gung-ho on oiling be aware that any older clarinet may need to be cleaned out first. I basically use a 1/2 bristle brush (and other sizes) to clean out the bore and toneholes before i apply any oil. And I may use other minor cleaning solutions to get rid of various debris in the bore/toneholes.

Thank you a lot for your comprehensive info.

Cheers

Tomas