jeudi 5 décembre 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.

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.

Woodwind instruments have pads that cover the holes in the body in order to be able to produce different tones. If such pads absorb moisture, they become bloated and may fail to cover the tone holes properly. This may lead to low quality tones. If you want your instrument to produce the best tones, make sure that such pads are always dry.

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 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.

Water is sometimes used to lubricate the rotary parts of musical instruments. You should note that water contains salts that can harm your instruments. If you use salty water to lubricate the instruments, you will see some white substances deposited on parts of your instrument after the water has dried. Such substances can make the instruments not to work properly. It is advisable that you use distilled water if you cannot get oil.

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 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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