Klarinet Archive - Posting 000207.txt from 2002/01

From: "Karl Krelove" <kkrelove@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Loose rings
Date: Tue, 8 Jan 2002 18:32:02 -0500

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Alan Woodcock [mailto:alan.woodcock@-----.fr]
>
> The "orange peel in the case" solution intrigues me. I have seen it
> recommended before on the list but I thought it was a sort of urban myth.
> What particular characteristics does orange peel have which make it such a
> good humidifier ?

It's high in moisture. Hans Moennig used to prefer orange peels to
humidifiers (Dampits), insisting that they gave off volatile oils (as
opposed to Dampits which only evaporate water you put into them). Whether or
not he was right, there's plenty on water in the peel to accomplish the
purpose with or without oils' being involved. Also, the peels are relatively
thin and fit into a clarinet case better than, say, grapefruit peels, and
you're more likely to eat oranges regularly than lemons or limes.

> How much should one put ?

I put in as many slices as I can find places for. I try not to have the
peels touching any part of my instruments directly.

> How often should one change it?

Every couple of days, because they'll be pretty dried out by then.

> Does it make the clarinet smell ?

Not in my experience.

> Put too little - the instrument will crack.

Well, any amount is better than none, if you're having a problem with low
humidity.

> Put too much - it will swell up and I won't be able to assemble it.

I've never had this happen. What may happen is everything in the case will
end up slightly damp - if there are water droplets or a water film forming
on the instruments, back off. Less because of swelling joints than because
it probably isn't good for the pads.

> I shall start tonight but it will have to be tangerine peel.

I've never tried that - let us know how it works.

Karl Krelove

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