Klarinet Archive - Posting 000253.txt from 1995/02

From: "(Tim Clark)" <MorrisMini@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Dampits and moisture sources
Date: Sat, 11 Feb 1995 21:41:52 -0500

Moisture equilibrium is the reason a moisture source like a Dampit should be
left in the case as opposed to the bore of an instrument. Leaving the dampit
in the case gives an even distribution of the moisture and will make for a
less intense change in the wood's moisture content when the horn is played.
If the bore has been subjected to more water vapor than the outside when
at rest, and then has even more warm moist air blown through it, the outside
surfaces will have a lot of catching up to do to equilize the water content
and will tend to "move" more than the inside. That can be a problem. I
prefer to use some fresh orange peel as a moisture source, because it has a
built in indicator--when it looks like a little potato chip, it's time for
some fresh stuff. Besides, it smells like a fruit salad when you open the
case. Not bad! A dampit can be deceptive since you can't tell by looking if
it is charged with water. I wouldn't put orange peel directly on the
instrument as the slight acidity might tarnish silver keywork, although I
have never actually witnesses that. In the humid, hot weather, you don't
need more moisture to promote mold in your case, so lay off unless you play
in air conditioned (dry) circumstances a lot. In addition, the idea voiced
elsewhere of putting the upper joint with barrel under your arm to warm up
the outside before playing (a good old idea from Hans Moennig) is excellent.
Make a habit of it and do it all the time.
-Tim Clark

   
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