Klarinet Archive - Posting 000224.txt from 1999/05

From: Sfdr@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Hans Moennig's Suggestions for Crack Prevention
Date: Sat, 8 May 1999 03:35:44 -0400

In a message dated 5/7/99 5:41:41 PM EST, Binkysmurf@-----.com writes:

<< Lately, I have been noticing that my clarinet has been playing very out
of
tune. I play a brand new Buffet R13 and have had no problems playing out
of
tune. This new clarinet has been such a relief compared to my old Noblet.
But suddenly I am playing very sharp. Is there anything I can do to fix or
change it so that I am playing at A440 regularly again??? I have not
changed
my setup or bought a new barrel or anything. HELP!!
Jennifer >>

Dear Jennifer,
The problem that you are describing is very common on new clarinets
and oboes. This sudden pitch change is caused by the bore expansion of the
Barrel. This expansion occurs when an instrument is made of wood which has
not been properly cured and is therefore unstable. As the demand for
clarinets and other woodwinds grows, Grenadilla trees are being cut more
frequently and at a smaller diameter. The smaller trees have more grain per
square inch and more imperfections per square inch as well. The curing time
is also contributing to the instability of the wood. As a result of all
these factors newer horns are predisposed to cracking around posts, tubes,
key guides and through tone holes.
When a metal post is inserted in a wooden clarinet body, it is
normally fitted securely so that the post will not turn. After the horn is
played a little, the wet wood will expand. After the horn dries the wood will
contract and many times the structurally weak areas will crack in order to
relieve natural stresses in the immature wood. Oboes are plagued with this
unstable wood problem as well. Ninety percent of new oboes crack and play
out of tune during the first six months as compared to the 45% clarinet crack
rate.
It is best to monitor your barrel dimensions with a bore gauge. The
reverse tapered Moennig barrels are smaller in bore diameter that the stock
R-13 barrels and tend to play more in tune between the different registers of
the clarinet. I have found that dimensional changes are not quite as
noticeable on the Moennig barrels
Here are a few suggestions for wood care and crack prevention that my
repair teacher, W. Hans Moennig recommends:

1. Play the horn every day for at least 30 minutes to keep moisture
in the wooden body!!!!! Most important rule of all!!!!!

2. Use a humidifier to supplement the moisture of the horn.
Suspension humidifiers work better than dampets as they do not come in direct
contact with the wooden instrument body thus causing stress.

3. Always store the horn in a wooden cabinet or desk drawer to
insulate it from outside humidity changes.

4. When Traveling store the instrument in an ice chest to prevent
temperature exposer. (No ice please)

5. If using orange peelings (A natural humidifier) Please allow the
peelings to dry at least 12 hours before use. Never allow peelings to touch
the keys as citrus acid will cause plating to oxidize, corrode or even flake
off. Store peeling in a reed slot and not on wood as mold can occur.

6. Never store the instrument near heaters, air conditioners, or even
air vents as this will dry the wood to quickly and add even more stress.

7. Use a wooden instrument case with a heavily insulated case cover.

8. Never leave your horn idled out of the case for more than two
hours as this will cause the outside wall to dry faster than the inside bore.
(Stress)

9. Never leave your horn on an instrument stand as the bore will not
dry on the peg and the tenons corks will compress and become loose.

10. Leave the swab in the case and NOT in the bore. The extra
moisture will help. And the horn will dry internally. Pull through silk
swabs are recommended instead of the stick type.

11. Use a light bore spray or Almond oil and not the gummy
commercial bore oils from music stores.

12. Blow the tone holes dry before placing the instrument in case as
swabs do not remove water from tone holes, only the bore.

13. Coat the Barrel and upper joint with wood conditioner such as Sil
Glide to maintain stability in bore dimensions and tuning. This should be
done every 3 to 4 months for best results.

14. Use wood wedges to prop open trill and G# keys. This will allow
the horn to dry more evenly and reduce wood stress.

For more suggestions and an illustrated sheet on Woodwind Care and
Crack Prevention, Please E mail your street address to:

Alvin Swiney
Affordable
Music Co.
P. O. Box 4245
Virginia
Beach, VA 23454
757-412-2160
fax 412-2158
Email
sfdr@-----.com

Good Luck,
Alvin Swiney

>>

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