 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ben
Date: 2002-12-18 11:29
Hi!
i ve heard its important to have the right humidity in winter for a new clarinet. my humidity is very low and i think it will crack if it is too low. does anyone know how many % the right humidity is?
thank you very much
greetings ben
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2002-12-18 11:45
I use a hygrometer and keep a moistened sponge in a 35mm film canister (punch a few holes in the cap).
I try to keep it at 50% humidity as shown on the meter.
I think the most important step in caring for the wooden instrument is to allow time for the body reach room temperature before playing
(room temperature being 20 degrees Centigrade, 760 torr).
If you're at higher elevations, air will be drier in Winter.
If you're closer to sea level, your air should be more humid.
The safest method is to play a plastic instrument if you're seriously in doubt about the conditions.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2002-12-18 13:52
We have discussed this subject innumerable times, search the Phorum for it. YES, dry [generally cold winter] conditions require humidification to some 40%, but less than some 60% Relative Humidity to adequately protect against this cause of cracking/ring-loosening IMHO. Don
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Author: Mark Sloss
Date: 2002-12-18 13:58
You should be OK as long as you are careful not to environmentally shock the instrument. In many respects, the ones that are going to crack are going to get you no matter what you do. Back in Colorado I bought a set of R13s. Double-whammy of high altitude and lip-splitting dryness. One cracked and the other didn't, kept in the same case and played in the same environment at the same frequency.
Swab frequently and thoroughly, don't expose it to sudden temperature or humidity changes, don't play it in a cold room, and do something like put orange peels in the case to stabilize the humidity. Most importantly -- play it regularly, ramping up the amount of time you spend skronking on it each day until you are up to your regular practice session duration (and enjoy doing so)!
Also, if it is factory-fresh new, make sure you send in the card for the crack warranty if there is one. The manufacturers know darn well that cracking in the first year is much more a deficiency in the wood than (g*d forbid) actually playing and enjoying your new instrument.
Have fun. Peace.
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2002-12-18 23:29
Do I hear an FAQ list in the making?
"SO - you brought home your first wooden clarinet!"
"REEDS - can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em!"
"Why does my cat leave the room when I play?"
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