Klarinet Archive - Posting 000480.txt from 2003/09

From: "Don Hatfield" <dhatfield@-----.org>
Subj: Re: [kl] Pads deteriorating quickly
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2003 08:26:04 -0400

No, patricia, I agree on the thought that heat and moisture should make the
barrel rings fit normally after they were loose in winter weather, but they
seem to be as bad if not worse. And playing it more as was suggested also
seemed to make it no better. I can handle using Walter's quick fix until it
might straighten up. BUT...has the extreme change to the wood also affected
the bore of the barrel (I'm certain it has, but need to measure and check
tuning to see perhaps), can that be remedied, and should I just go ahead and
try some different ones to use with the clarinet and save headaches?

I even made sure I stored the clarinet in the most humid room in our home in
winter. Of course I've never tried using or dealing with the problems a
clarinet that sat untouched for nearly thirty years may offer, another
reason I asked about what to do with the old Leblanc 'A' I plan to have
rebuilt...it's been stashed and unplayed even longer.

> I don't mean to barge into another conversation, and I suppose I'm
> showing a bit of scientific ignorance. However, I always had thought
> that heat and humidity caused wood and other porous substances to swell,
> not shrink. Is the shrinkage Mr. Hatfield is having problems with due
> to the location on the horn (i.e., under rings? scraping between rings
> and wood? other reasons?) Again, I have a great deal to learn on the
> repair end of things. However, as I live in Virginia, humidity capital
> of the world (or at least it seems so), this is something I feel it is
> important to know.
>
> Patricia Smith
>
>

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Klarinet is supported by Woodwind.Org, http://www.woodwind.org/