Contra cleaning rod?

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MStarke
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Contra cleaning rod?

Post by MStarke »

Quick question - close to finally purchasing a contra:
Is there any cleaning rod readily available that's long enough for contra?

I have not yet found one. Considering to either buy simply an aluminium rod and modify it a bit or to get two of these rods that consist of multiple sections and combine these. The latter would be pretty expensive however...
Markus Starke
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Alto: Conn 35h, Kanstul, Weril
Tenor: 2x Conn 6h, Blessing medium, Elkhart 88H, 88HT, Greenhoe 88HT, Heckel, Piering replica
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Burgerbob
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Re: Contra cleaning rod?

Post by Burgerbob »

I have gotten by so far with just using a normal cleaning rod. I'm sure the end of the outers is just a little dirtier than I would like.

My plan is to buy another one of the Griego collapsible rods, and add a piece or two at some point.
Aidan Ritchie, LA area player and teacher
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BGuttman
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Re: Contra cleaning rod?

Post by BGuttman »

I bought two shotgun cleaning kits and put the middle section of one in the entire rod of the other. This let me clean the outer of my G-bass.

Note that if you use a multi-section rod for cleaning you MUST only twist in a clockwise direction.
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AtomicClock
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Re: Contra cleaning rod?

Post by AtomicClock »

BGuttman wrote: Tue Aug 27, 2024 9:51 am Note that if you use a multi-section rod for cleaning you MUST only twist in a clockwise direction.
Loctite?
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BGuttman
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Re: Contra cleaning rod?

Post by BGuttman »

AtomicClock wrote: Tue Aug 27, 2024 10:54 am
BGuttman wrote: Tue Aug 27, 2024 9:51 am Note that if you use a multi-section rod for cleaning you MUST only twist in a clockwise direction.
Loctite?
Never tried it. But if the Loctite gives out, what then? :evil:
Bruce Guttman
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ghmerrill
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Re: Contra cleaning rod?

Post by ghmerrill »

Tipton sells a bunch of 1-piece carbon cleaning rods in several different lengths -- up to 44".
https://www.tiptonclean.com/deluxe-1-pi ... 0_q3NSGf8g

Dewey sells a bunch of 1-piece rods as well.
https://deweyrods.com/product/30-calibe ... 40-inches/

One thing you need to be aware of with rifle cleaning rods is that some of them have handles that swivel -- which works well in rifling, but likely isn't a feature you need or want for cleaning a smooth tube.
Gary Merrill
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GabrielRice
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Re: Contra cleaning rod?

Post by GabrielRice »

Griego will sell their cleaning rod with an extra piece to screw in for contra length. https://griegomouthpieces.com/blog/2020 ... available/

Works great.
MStarke
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Re: Contra cleaning rod?

Post by MStarke »

Thanks for the tips and ideas!

I think I might just get a long enough aluminium or carbon rod.

But probably I will go the same way as Burgerbob for the start.
Markus Starke
https://www.mst-studio-mouthpieces.com/

Alto: Conn 35h, Kanstul, Weril
Tenor: 2x Conn 6h, Blessing medium, Elkhart 88H, 88HT, Greenhoe 88HT, Heckel, Piering replica
Bass: Conn 112h/62h, Greenhoe TIS, Conn 60h/"62h"
baileyman
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Re: Contra cleaning rod?

Post by baileyman »

BGuttman wrote: Tue Aug 27, 2024 12:13 pm
AtomicClock wrote: Tue Aug 27, 2024 10:54 am

Loctite?
Never tried it. But if the Loctite gives out, what then? :evil:
Air hose. Just be careful in which direction it will fly out.
OneTon
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Re: Contra cleaning rod?

Post by OneTon »

BGuttman wrote: Tue Aug 27, 2024 12:13 pm
AtomicClock wrote: Tue Aug 27, 2024 10:54 am Loctite?
Never tried it. But if the Loctite gives out, what then? :evil:
In the oil field, that is called "fishing." A favorite toast among drillers and rough necks, though not particularly popular with management, was "twist off." With care and patience, sometimes the rods may be threaded back together. Proper embouchure is required. In this case, Doug Elliott may not be of help. Peas.
Richard Smith
Wichita, Kansas
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JohnL
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Re: Contra cleaning rod?

Post by JohnL »

BGuttman wrote: Tue Aug 27, 2024 12:13 pmNever tried it. But if the Loctite gives out, what then? :evil:
Depends on which flavor of Loctite you use. Loctite 271 (aka "Red Loctite") is strong stuff and is pretty much impossible to break loose without applying heat.
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ssking2b
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Re: Contra cleaning rod?

Post by ssking2b »

I use Shotgun cleaning rods on my horns in Marcus Bona cases exactly because they can be broken down to fit in the outside pockets of the cases! I use slide-o-mix sheaths on the assembled rods to clean the tubes.
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