 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ChrisArcand
Date: 2006-12-06 04:12
I've read many threads on the age old subject of humidifying, and have decided to not use the Dampits as I did last year. I once used a guitar from an instructor and the humidifer in that case was a Humistat. I found it to be very convienent and also see that many others have had a lot of success with their clarinets.
Throughout my quest to find an efficient humidity control, I have often wondered how exactly just placing a humidifer such as a Humistat in a clarinet case sufficiently humidifies the whole instrument. I started using dampits because they seemed to be effective being placed inside of the bore.
I guess my question is How should I place a capsule in my case? My case is relatively small, and fairly "snug" (meaning that when you close it, it fits very nicely and conforms to the clarinet very well). I guess it seems like if I put the humidifier in say, the bell, only the bell would get any humidity and not the rest of the clarinet.
Am I just wrong here? All you people who say "I've always used a Humistat/pill bottle/sponge, it works no problem", where do you place these and are you sure it's getting to the rest of the instrument? Sorry if I seem over the top, but I want to be sure I'm getting this all right; My clarinet is a little too important to not worry about cracking during these Minnesota winters...
Thanks!
Chris Arcand
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2006-12-06 23:16
(Disclaimer - I sell Humistats, and other moisture control materials)
Put it anywhere in the case that is open - not in contact with the instrument in any way. The moisture will equilibrate throughout the case if it is left closed for a couple hours. When taking the instrument in and out keep the case closed and zippered, clipped, or whatever to help maintain the moisture in the case when you return your instrument. Check the water level frequently - also, IMO you should have some sort of measurement device (hygrometer, or chemical strip) to tell you what the relative humidity actually is in the case - how else to know when to humidify and when to remove moisture?
L. Omar Henderson
www.doctorsprod.com
Post Edited (2006-12-06 23:16)
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Author: rsholmes
Date: 2006-12-07 22:32
My humidifier doesn't tell me when to increase or lower the humidity... all it tells me is what the humidity is.
Some pointers as to how to translate humidity into actions would be of interest.
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Author: ChrisArcand
Date: 2006-12-07 22:50
I know how to translate humidity into actions. And if I didn't, there's only about 3,525,643,777,654,206 articles on what to do. My only concern is how to fit a humidifier and hygrometer in my case in such a way as to actually be effective!
I'm currently looking at an analog cigar hygrometer, 1.75" in diameter x .6" thick. That appears to look more effective than the bulky Planet Waves digital I have (which I cannot keep inside my case...)
So. Even with my case closed, the moisture should effectively spread across all of the clarinet from a storage compartment grove? Doesn't seem quite right.
Aren't the joints pretty well kept in their own little area when cases are closed? (I guess this varies depending on your style of case)
Chris Arcand
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2006-12-07 23:50
(Disclaimer - I sell humidity control and monitoring stuff)
Try to find an open area in the case for the humidifer element - whatever you use e.g. Humistat. The hygrometer can go in the bell if you have a tight case or in an open area if you have extra room. The humidity will spread throughout the case because each section is not airtight from the next and also the water vapor will envelop the lining material and it will spread throughout the lining. I feel that a useful humidity range is between 45-65% RH. Once the lining of the case soaks up some water vapor and you keep the case sealed most of the time it will take very little water to keep the RH up in a good range. Again, I would not put the humidifier in direct contact with the wood of the instrument.
L. Omar Henderson
www.doctorsprod.com
Post Edited (2006-12-08 00:00)
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Author: BobD
Date: 2006-12-08 13:12
For my own home-made humidifiers, which I make from 25cent piece coin collectors' tubes with inserted sponge, I carry my mp separately and place the hum. in the mp recess. A piece of saranwrap placed on top of the stored clarinet sections helps prevent unneeded moisture from the top case area. On occasion I also use a Pete Fountain "Doctor's case" which has ample air space and less "velour" padding. One can also wrap the individual clarinet sections in saranwrap once they reach proper humidity content. Many humidity control solutions, beyond the casual orange peel routine, are beyond the patience of many players.
Bob Draznik
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Author: ChrisArcand
Date: 2006-12-09 04:37
Thanks for your help, Doc. I truly appreciate it. I've found what seems to be a pretty good system, I'm going to try it out and see what happens. Again, thanks!
Chris Arcand
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