Klarinet Archive - Posting 000529.txt from 2004/01

From: "Karin Berman" <berman@-----.sympatico.ca>
Subj: [kl] [clarinet] care of clarinet
Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2004 11:33:13 -0500

Since I am an adult student, a beginner still wet behind the ears at 50!, I
feel a bit silly asking this. But since I really don't know and have to
travel far (120 km every 2nd Saturday for my lesson), I am concerned about
how to looks after my clarinet.

I have noticed a lot of moisture still trapped between the joints even after
I have done a double swab. I now take all the joints apart and swap
additionally with a soft tissue, every joint separately. The moisture seems
to get trapped between the joints. I then re-assemble my clarinet and let it
rest on its side in a safe place till the next day. (yes, I am very diligent
and can't wait to do my bit every day..... usually until I get mouth muscle
failure, or lose my mouth as I see some of you describe it!. But I am
concerned about letting my clarinet rest like this since I can see the thumb
support always tilts the clarinet this way or the other way. One way or
another, some pressure gets put on some of the metal keys. Also, I am sure
dust can accumulate in and on the clarinet over a period of time.

Maybe I am supposed to store it in its case after all the swabbing? or use a
stand? At the moment I only store it in its case when I travel to my far
away lesson.

What about clarinet pad savers? I have only read about these and have no
experience. Apparently , these can be left inside the clarinet to absorb
this moisture I am concerned about.

Any input will be appreciated. And by the way, the street I live in is
called "Woodwynd Heights".... I really like that.
Karin Berman
Carbonear
Newfoundland

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