Klarinet Archive - Posting 000449.txt from 2005/03

From: ormo2ndtoby@-----.net (Ormondtoby Montoya)
Subj: Re: [kl] Help! clarinet cracks
Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2005 14:54:56 -0500

Jools=A0Wingate wrote:

> I have just taken my B&H Edgewares out to
> play, and since rehearsing this morning the
> Bb has developed a fine crack in the top joint.

Is this a newly purchased clarinet? If so, it is probably under
warranty.

> Ahhh, i don't know what to do - shall i get it
> pinned, or just make sure it is perfectly dry
> after playing (i do that anyway).

It needs to be evaluated by a competent repair technician because it may
(likely, but not necessarily for certain) get worse as time passes, as
the weather changes, etc. It makes a difference where the crack is
located --- at a tone hole, in the tenon, at a key post, etc.

> does anyone have any suggestions as to how
> i can prevent it from getting worse?

Again, the clarinet needs inspection. Many reasons that a crack
appears are not under your control.

> Also, what are people's opinions on oiling the
> bore?

Opinion is divided, and clarinetists frequently argue with each other
about this.

> I haven't [oiled the bore] because i was told i
> shouldn't, people have subsequently advised
> me i should... is this why it's cracked?

Probably this is not the reason tat it cracked, but I'm sure that
somebody will argue that it may have been the reason. A number of
clarinetists feel that 'babying' a clarinet merely postpones the
inevitable. That is, if it was going to crack, then it would've done
so eventually no matter what you did.

Good luck, but above all else, get it looked at by a competent
technician who has experience in repairing cracked clarinets. (not all
repair persons have this experience, be sure to find one who does.)

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