Klarinet Archive - Posting 000146.txt from 1996/02

From: Everett J Austin <BrendaA624@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: cold weather and cracks
Date: Wed, 7 Feb 1996 00:18:20 -0500

About cracking:

I have been careful to follow some advice I was once given: avoid major
sudden temperature transitions with the instrument and if the instrument is
cold, always warm it externally (with the hands) before blowing in it. This
will allow the outer part of the wood to expand first. If the bore is
warmed quickly by blowing or playing the expansion of the inner part of the
wood may lead to shearing forces and possibly cracking. Using an insulated
case cover may also help avoid sudden temp and humidity changes. This makes
theoretical sense, anyway.

Everett Austin
Fairfax, California