Klarinet Archive - Posting 000131.txt from 2003/12

From: "Forest Aten" <forestaten@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] product or trick to keep water out of keyholes
Date: Sat, 6 Dec 2003 14:54:27 -0500

> Hi All. I am auditioning the Nielsen Concerto next year and have to
> audition it in full. Im finding that by the 3rd "movement" my c# and
> some of the side keys are clogged with spit/condensation/whatever. I
> don't see any feasible time in the middle to swab and even blowing or
> using cigarette paper to soak the water out doesnt help for long. Not
> to mention how weird it may look in a performance. Any product I
> could get or technique I could use to prevent this from happening for
> about 23 minutes?? Thanks.
>
> --
> Soulfully,
>
> Stacy-Michelle Valentine
> http://clarinetvibe.com
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ClassicallyBlack

Stacy-Michelle,

1 Start with clarinets warmed up to ambient temperature in the room you
will be performing
2 Be sure to pull a swab before you start. (and frequently as you warm
up)
3 Do not be concerned about "how weird it may look"....pull a swab
when/if you need it
4 Try H. Moennigs' old trick of pulling a string soaked with bore oil
down the "bottom" of the clarinet bore". This narrow and carefully placed
track really helps direct moisture down the clarinet and does a remarkable
job of keeping water out of the tone holes. It's not perfect...but it has
worked for me well over the years. As soon as I notice water starting to
accumulate...I do the job again.

Forest Aten

* I do not regularly bore oil the entire bore.......

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