Klarinet Archive - Posting 000434.txt from 2004/08

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Water in tone holes
Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2004 11:06:39 -0400

At 05:31 AM 8/15/2004 -0400, Mary Keffer wrote:
>I'm suddenly having a big problem with water in my tone holes, and I'm
>wondering 1) what causes it, (is it condensation? surely not all spit?) and
>2) what can I do about it. I'm sure this problem has been discussed before
>so if someone would point me in the direction of those archives I'd
>appreciate it. I'd appreciate any help offered.
> I'm playing in the pit orchestra for a community theatre group. We're
>doing My Fair Lady and I play in every song, but there are a few idle
>moments between numbers. I spent last night battling these "gurgles" after
>every song... the E-flat key, the F#side key, the A and G# keys... it was
>really a problem. We've been down in the pit all week and it has been
>chilly, especially during dress rehearsals when the theatre was empty. It's
>more comfortable now during performances, but my clarinet still feels cold
>after a few minutes break, and the problem seems to be getting worse.
> Any suggestions appreciated.

As was discussed on the list just recently (check the archives), an overly
cool pit environment dramatically increases the rate of condensation in the
bore and, subsequently, causes the havoc you are experiencing. You will
probably just have to swab frequently to keep it under control. As you
surmise, it is not "spit" at all, but water condensing out of your breath.

Bill Hausmann

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Klarinet is a service of Woodwind.Org, Inc. http://www.woodwind.org