Klarinet Archive - Posting 000758.txt from 1997/07

From: "Todd and Lynnette Staley" <nette@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Cracking
Date: Thu, 24 Jul 1997 07:39:20 -0400

Dirk,=20
Extremes of humidity in either direction really are not good for a wood
instrument, however low humidity will dry the wood out causing it to
crack. This can be remedied by a humidifier in the case. You can purchase
them or make them yourself. A pill bottle with some small holes in it
containing a small damp sponge would do the trick or some folks put orang=
e
peels in the case for humidity, but I'm not totally sure of the
effectiveness of this. As far as keeping the instrument a constant
temperature, this is mostly up to you. When I say constant, I in no way
mean exactly "x" degrees. However, be sure not to leave the instrument in
an extremely hot or cold situation like a car overnight or an unheated or
cool house, etc for long periods of time. Tryto make sure the instrument
stays the same temperature as you do most of the time and you should be
OK. Travelling is somewhat of a problem. My first suggestion is, if you
fly, always take the instrument with you as a carryon onthe plane. Not
only is it much safer, the temperature/humidity is better in the passenge=
r
cabin. My only advice is check the weather where you're going. If
extremely humid, take the humidifier out of the case. If very dry, be sur=
e
that the humidifier is kept dampened. Never take the instrument out in th=
e
sun if you can help it. The occasional outdoor concert will not do harm i=
f
you be sure that the wood is well oiled. The sun tends to dry wood out,
giving rise to the possibility of cracking. I've been awfully long winded=
,
but I hope I helped. Good luck!
Lynnette
--=20
Todd & Lynnette Staley
email: nette@-----.net

----------
> From: Dirk Kussin <dirk@-----.de>
> To: klarinet@-----.us
> Subject: Re: Cracking
> Date: Thursday, July 24, 1997 4:00 AM
>=20
> What is more dangerous for the instrument: high or low humidity? And
> how one can reach a constant temperature? Also a problem: travelling
> (between different climates). What is to do in this case?
> =20
> Dirk
>=20
> Lynnette> Dirk, I believe that the reason many high quality
> Lynnette> instruments crack is due to conditions in which it is stored
> Lynnette> or the way that they are treated in general. I don't believe
> Lynnette> that any instrument is necessarily "pre-programmed" to
> Lynnette> crack. This is not to say that every instrument is
> Lynnette> flawless. Extremes of cold and heat can aid in the process
> Lynnette> of cracking any wood instrument. Humidity can also play a
> Lynnette> part. A good instrument which is kept well should not crack,
> Lynnette> i.e. kept at constant temperatures, oiled at frequent
> Lynnette> intervals and kept at a good constant humidity. I would not
> Lynnette> let the fear of cracking keep me from getting a good quality
> Lynnette> instrument. A high quality instrument will do a great deal
> Lynnette> for your playing and is a must if you intend to pursue music
> Lynnette> at any sort of professional level. Hope this helps Lynnette
> Lynnette> -- Todd & Lynnette Staley email: nette@-----.net
>=20
> --=20
> Dirk Kussin dirk@-----.de =20
> Fachbereich 17 Mathematik Raum D2.323
> Universit@-----. (+49) (5251) 60-2636
> D-33095 Paderborn --------- http://www-math.uni-paderborn.de/~dirk/
>=20