Klarinet Archive - Posting 000031.txt from 2001/05

From: Joshua460@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Cracking clarinets
Date: Wed, 2 May 2001 05:18:30 -0400

After reading all the posts about cracking and its causes, I discussed the
matter with my physics professor and UK. He told me that the cracking is
most likely to be a result of an internal stress. I once read an article
about an oboist or repairman (I can't remember) who cut an oboe joint into
two pieces and allowed them to soak in oil for 6 months. The oil only
penetrated about 1 mm. If this is true, how could moisture be a significant
factor? Wouldn't moisture only be a long term effect, simply because of the
qualities of the wood? My professor also mentioned that the keywork and the
actual machining process of the wood will contribute weaknesses in the wood,
in addition to its natural flaws, therefore no clarinet is "flawless." One
can only conclude that the internal stress due to extreme thermal cycling
will overcome the weakest area(s) of the clarinet; usually the upper trill
keys and the register key. Just an insight.

Josh Gardner
University of Kentucky

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