Klarinet Archive - Posting 000250.txt from 1995/02

From: "William A. Helmers" <reedman@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Cracks, Warrantees and other misconceptions
Date: Sat, 11 Feb 1995 16:40:25 -0500

I have only a small bit of anecdotal evidence to add to the discussion on
the use of dampits:

Several years ago, I started using a dampit with an
older Bb clarinet, placing it inside the upper joint. Within weeks, a
fairly significant crack opened up. Whether the crack was caused by the
dampit or not, I couldn't say, but I'm more than a little suspicious, since
this instrument was about ten years old at the time, and had not cracked
previously.

I've lived in Wisconsin now for about 15 years, and owned a large number of
clarinets. Without using any sort of humidifier in the cases, I've made it
through some extremely cold and dry winters without suffering any cracks. As
long as I'm careful with loose rings, the dryness doesn't seem to do any
lasting damage.