How to properly use bore oil for a clarinet?

Question

I live in San Diego so it's kinda dry. How often do i have to oil my clarinet and how do you properly do it because i heard of some weird ways to oil my clarinet.

(I can't ask my teacher these stuff cuz it's summer break)

Answer 1

Hello there.   I have a wood piccolo that regularly needs maintenance,  so I am familiar with the procedure..   First of all,  I have been advised by a woodwind repair specialist in my area...  (hot and humid Houston) not to use bore oil.  Why...  because bore oil is inorganic/chemical and the wood is organic.  He advised Almond oil.     Put a few drops on your finger....  a few drops goes a long way, and gently rub the wood.  Stay away from the pads.  For the inside of the instrument buy yourself an oboe swab stick... they are quite small around.   Put a few drops on the swab and insert it into the inside of the pieces, rotating as you go.  Don't drench your swab,  because you don't want to oil up those pads.   For the barrel and bell,  you may well oil them and set the pieces on a paper towel.   In a couple of hours you will see that the wood has soaked up the oil.    To complete the procedure for the entire clarinet, wipe it down again with a clean soft cloth or paper towel.   The tech has suggested to oil about once a month or whenever it looks like it is drying out.  Also,  you cannot substitute oils.  Vegetable, corn, olive, sesame, canola.... none of these will work.... and using them will make your clarinet smell like salad.