Klarinet Archive - Posting 001112.txt from 1997/12

From: avrahm galper <agalper@-----.com>
Subj: HUMIDITY
Date: Wed, 31 Dec 1997 01:12:45 -0500

HUMIDITY

I would like to share some of my experiences with humidity as it relates
to where I live, which is Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The city is next to Lake Ontario. Normally there is a lot of humidity in
the summer.
The problem begins in the heating months.

It happens that I always forget about it. But when I try reed after
reed and they don't seem to work or last at all, it's then that I
remember to look at the humidity gauge.
This is already October,November. The arrow shows 22% humidity.
>From my own experience, that is not enough.
I go down to the cellar and make sure that the humidity roll is new and
soaking in water. I have to make sure there enough water in the pan.
And when does the situation improve-- when the humidity percentage goes
over 40%.
When it turns real cold here, like close to 0, one has to adjust the
humidity so that there is not too much in the house otherwise the
windows get all wet on the inside.
It's not good for the wood in the house.
This doesn't mean the clarinets.
It means the window sills and stuff like that.
My concern is always the reeds, they should be in a humid atmosphere.
They play better then.
Of course it's also better for the instruments when there is humidity.
I've had dampits, orange peels and little pill vials, with holes pierced
in the lid and a wet sponge placed inside.I found that it never helped.
If the house is dry, everything will dry out.
Some of the readers live in places where it's humid. I am sure they have
no problems.
It's when you have heating and no humidity in the air you get a problem.
In this cold weather I tell pupils not to leave their horns overnight at
the university. It's too dry there.
In my next posting I'll include an article by Han Moennig, the former
ace repairman from Philadelphia and his thoughts about care of
instruments.

Anyway Good Luck to all of you with humidity, no cracks, good reeds and
all the other good things you would wish for yourself. (mouthpieces,
ligatures etc. etc.)
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.

Avrahm Galper

   
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