Why cork?

[Bobby G]

Following on from discussion on mouthpiece placement over the crook cork and my revelation about using a bit of gaffer tape as an impromptu cork when I sheared the cork off the crook - does the crook cork have to be cork? Would it not be possible to use some kind of tight-fitting rubbery sleeve over the end of the crook? I say rubbery as opposed to plastic as it would need to have a bit of give to make a good seal with the mouthpiece and also have to be slightly smaller in diameter than the crook to make for a snug fit.

Is this a technical question, or should it be in the 'stupid questions' forum?

 

[mfox]

cork is easy to work, it expands and contracts quite unifomally.
but i guess there are some products that could be used instead of..i would like the idea of a roll on off cork for different diameter MPs.or even inserts for MPs..
i have always used the strip of paper around the cork when its too loose.

 

[ref54]

you can use material like cigarette rolling papers around the cork also when the MPC is to big for the cork

 

[griff136]

personally I like cork,the cork on my crooks were changed by me probably about 8 years ago. Make sure that you use cork grease, and more importantly take off the mouthpiece when you have finished playing.

You can get a foam/neoprene synthetic material for crooks that will accomodate 2 different size mouthpieces - Ive not tried it tho.

or

this rubber o ring set up - not tried either!

http://hometown.aol.com/stantee/corkless.html

 

[justin_chune]

Plumbers teflon tape seems to be a popular choice for temporary repairs. I assume that's the white stuff we called thread tape in the garage. Recently I had to have a crook re-corked. The tech took it into his workshop and was back in about five minutes with the thing repaired and ready to go. I was impressed.