Klarinet Archive - Posting 000648.txt from 2005/06

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Humid conditions - effects on the clarinet and reeds
Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 21:57:15 -0400

At 11:23 PM 6/30/2005 +0100, Keith Bowen wrote:
>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.

True as long as they are riding in the pressurized passenger
cabin. Baggage compartments of airplanes may or may not be
pressurized. They are also seldom heated, so a clarinet is likely to be
subjected to extreme COLD in a baggage compartment in the air, and possibly
extreme heat on the ramp in the summer, too.

The problem your EARS have in the changing altitude is that the AIR behind
the eardrum expands and contracts with altitude change. If the Eustachian
tube is blocked the pressure cannot equalize and bows the eardrum either
out (ascending) or in (descending), causing discomfort or outright pain. I
don't think there are any comparable air pockets in reeds.

Bill Hausmann

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

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