Klarinet Archive - Posting 000913.txt from 1997/12

From: "Craig E. G. Countryman" <cegc@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Leaving it assembled
Date: Sun, 21 Dec 1997 21:59:26 -0500

I have a peg and leave it assembled occasionally. I always swab it out
after I practice and make sure that all the visible amounts of water are
gone -- in short I give it the same treatment that I would before
putting it in the case.

The major difference may be that water molecules in the form of vapor
that are in the air in the room may cause cracking whereas being in a
sealed case may lessen the exposure to the molecules. I would think
that effects to be felt from this exposure would be a long term problem,
however in Roger's case three months was all it took.

Another factor may be the humidity in your climate. In Florida, where I
live, I would imagine I run a greater risk to this phenomenon then in a
more arid climate. This could be just speculation, but it may account
for the different results people may get. I'm sure about the climate in
Illinois where Roger had problems, but I imagine it's less humid then
here anyway.

Probably the best advice would be, "a ounce of prevention is worth a
pound of cure." Taking the chance that such exposure could have adverse
effects is probably not worth the extra minute or two you would save by
taking it apart. However, if you are planning on playing again in an
hour or so there may be little risk.

I think we have a few scientists around the list, and while I'm an
aspiring physicist maybe maybe one of them could explain exactly what is
occuring between the water vapor in the air and the wooden clarinet on
that peg.

-------------------------------------------------
Craig Countryman
cegc@-----.net
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1711
ICQ Uin: 1106304

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