Klarinet Archive - Posting 000353.txt from 2006/03

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Loose tenon rings
Date: Sun, 19 Mar 2006 18:54:31 -0500

In a message dated 3/19/2006 1:45:51 PM Central Standard Time,
cdc_1013@-----.com writes:
The metal rings around the tenons on my clarinet have
recently become very loose. Is this a serious
problem, and if so, what can I do to fix this problem
or is it something that must be done professionally? >>

Wooden instruments must be kept at a certain minimum humidity or tenon rings
become loose and keys can bind due to shrinkage of the wood.

If you assemble a clarinet with loose rings you are in danger of cracking
the instrument - usually starting in the tenon socket. Also, if the instrument
is that dry, it may crack elsewhere due to the sudden and uneven expansion in
the wood due to the introduction of a lot of moisture.

I would suggest that you find a way to humidify the instrument. Room
humidifiers, orange peels in the case, use of "Dampits" are all way to do this. Find
a professional to tighten the rings.

Walter Grabner
www.clarinetXpress.com
World-class clarinet mouthpieces

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