Klarinet Archive - Posting 000439.txt from 1996/12

From: Steve Prescott <mipresc@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: The incredible shrinking clarinet
Date: Mon, 16 Dec 1996 08:53:51 -0500

>Hi,
> For the last couple of months my clarinet has moved from a damp
>but generally clarinet friendly English climate to a permenantly
>heated hotel room in Vienna. This seems to be causing my clarinet to
>shrink! About a week ago the metal ring round the top of the bell
>came loose. Yesterday one of the rings round the barrel came loose.
>I'm worried about it cracking. The best think I can think of is to
>keep it in the bathroom and open the case when I have a shower. Is
>this a good idea? Any other suggestions?
>
>Thanks,
>Ian Dilley.

Ian,

This is a dangerous situation. You're right, the shrinking (drying)
of the wood can lead to cracking...Say NO to crack! Taking it in the
bathroom when you take a shower isn't a good idea; the springs and pivots
will rust. Place strips of orange peel between the joints in the case; it
should cure the problem almost over night.

Steve

Steve Prescott
Instrument Rep.Tech./ Clarinetist
Indiana State University
mipresc@-----.edu