Klarinet Archive - Posting 000486.txt from 2002/02

From: Clarinetbob@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] New Clarinet?
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 23:01:18 -0500

The barrel may be stuck due to excessive swelling of the wood - I'm not sure
what the temperature/humidity is in Malta these days. What has worked for me
in the past is to wrap the upper joint and barrel in a towel and place it in
the freezer for a VERY SHORT period of time (try no more than a few minutes
at first). The goal is that the cold temp will shrink the wood and release
the barrel from the top joint. Obviously, you need to be VERY careful and
not leave it in too long...or warm it up too quickly when it comes out - DO
NOT play the clarinet again until it acclimates to normal room temperature.
Not for the faint of heart...but possibly worth a try if you are desparate.

Bob

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