Klarinet Archive - Posting 000159.txt from 2003/12

From: "Bob Langford" <rlang2000tj@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Water In Tone Holes
Date: Sun, 7 Dec 2003 18:19:07 -0500

I spoke to 'The Doctor' via e-mail, www.doctorsprod.com , about this topic
and he graciously replied with his solution. He's allowed me to forward it
to this list:

"The greatest source of water accumulation and problems is always in the
upper joint. I use a tiny artist paint brush to paint additional bore oil
around the problem tone holes with a tiny channel leading to the lowest
point of gravity when the clarinet is held in playing position. I always
hold the clarinet on my lap with the finger tone holes up when not playing -
this keeps it warm and also allows the water to drain away from the problem
tone holes. The biggest water buildup is when the initial cold horn meets
your hot breath. I try to always keep the horn warm or blow warm breath for
a couple minutes without the mouthpiece on and with all the tone holes
closed before I begin playing. All horns are different, and some worse than
others for water accumulation (slight imperfections in the boring of the
bore) and your environmental conditions play a large part. My worst
experiences have been playing cold pit jobs - lots of swabbing, cigarette
papers, etc..

Hope this helps.

Best regards,
Omar"

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