Klarinet Archive - Posting 000733.txt from 1996/02

From: Tom Labadorf <Labadorf@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Way's to keep your clarinet warm
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 1996 17:10:37 -0500

Stephen from New Zealand said:
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We all have trouble keeping our clarinets warm in long rests or coldweather,
in a conversation some years ago at a masterclass someone said was there some
way of blowing warm air up the clarinet when it's on a stand. And I was
wondering if any one else had had this thought or are we just nutsdown here.

To do this you would need a very small warm blower (Hairdryer) mounted in the
stand probably battery powered, blowing warm moist air up from the bell. But
if your worried about cracks then we need to maybe also move warm air over
the outside too. (Just think no more cold A Clarinet when you needit.)
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What a great idea! If it hasn't been invented yet, go for it! Let me know
when it's available, and I'll try it out.

I thought of a simpler method. How about a clarinet "jacket" made of a quilt
material. This can be made with a long slit down one side so you could drape
it on the horn while it's on its peg, and easily removable it for the quick
change. Once the instrument is warmed up, the quilt material will help the
clarinet retain its warmth. No dangerous heaters to crack the horn, or
render it too sharp. What do you think?

Tom L.
Clarinetist, U.S. Coast Guard Band
Labadorf@-----.com