Klarinet Archive - Posting 000639.txt from 2005/06

From: "Keith" <100012.1302@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Humid conditions - effects on the clarinet and reeds
Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 18:23:25 -0400

I agree, Forest. The pressure in a plane is approximately the same as that
of Denver, and higher than that in most of New Mexico. Considerably lower
than that at the earths core.

Humidity changes do lead to changes in the length of the wood. You and I
have both had significant effects in low humidity on bass clarinets, with
the long rods jamming. I have never experienced any such problem on a little
soprano though, and my clarinets have been round the world several times,
and repeatedly from damp England to dry Colorado and New Mexico. The changes
in the wood are reversible.

I would incline to using Legere reeds for extremes of either high or low
humidity.

Incidentally I have been using cane reeds for a lot of time since I returned
to the UK. One great benefit of a long period on Legeres is that I am
intolerant of reeds that do not play. I expect my cane reeds to work first
time, with none of this ritual. So I slap them on .... and they do.

Keith Bowen

> Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 07:41:24 -0500
> To: <klarinet@-----.org>
> From: "Forest Aten" <forestaten@-----.net>
> Subject: RE: [kl] Re: Humid conditions - affects on the
> clarinet & reeds
>
> >
> > If you are traveling by plane, your reeds - at least the
> ones already
> > broken in - will be shot to "the Earth's core" by the time
> you land.
> > The drastic altitude change has as much warping effect on
> your reeds
> > as your eardrum.
>
> What? I travel all of the time with my clarinet...by plane
> and I've never experienced what you are talking about. Plesae
> explain the physics involved in your (observation?)
> statement. Are you suggesting that there are air trapped in a
> reed that will expand and contract with the change in pressure?
>
> Forest Aten
>

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