Klarinet Archive - Posting 000608.txt from 1996/12

From: Erica Horn <EJHtalk@-----.com>
Subj: Re: The incredible shrinking clarinet
Date: Sun, 22 Dec 1996 20:08:21 -0500

In a message dated 12/16/96 10:53:37 AM, you wrote:

<<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.

Dear Ian,

In California it is often very dry and here's what I do. I use a couple of
cello damp-its. (Those rubber tube things with sponge inside that cellist
have their f-holes) and keep the moitened and in your case.

Another trick (though I never did it for fear of mold or something nasty) is
to put some orange peels in your case. As they dry out, your clarinets
absorbe their moisture.

Lastly go to you friendly neighborhood tobaconist. Buy a small cigar
humidifier and keep it in a plastic bag with you reed case. (truely vital in
a dry climate)

Erica