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old cracks

Author: Avie
Date: 2004-05-04 12:51

I purchased a 1968 R13 super dynaction clarinet 2 years ago that developed 2 cracks in the upper joint within one week after I purchased it. It plays pretty well in tune and with good intonation and has no air leakage or any other indication that are detectable to me when playing. The cracks are not completely thru and havent progressed in the last year. A tech suggested to get it pinned but I dont want to until it becomes necessary. I am curious as to when the pinning will become necessary. When not being played for a period of time the cracks close up to the point that they are almost completely undetectable but open up to a point after continuous playing. Has anyone had a similar experience? Thanks in advance for your advise and suggestions. Thanks. ATV

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Re: old cracks

Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2004-05-04 14:12

Oiling is a subject of controversy, so some others may suggest I'm nuts. Your Clarinet may have come from an area or home where the humidity is considerably higher than its current environment, so that it lost a lot of moisture rather quickly while owned by you. Thus, it would not be surprising iif the tenon rings are loose, as well. Your playing is putting moisture in the bore of the Clarinet, expanding the inside of the wood, thus stressing it toward the outer area which is still too dry. I suggest a big-time oiling of your Clarinet, after you avoid playing it for a while (so that the cracks "close up to the point that they are almost completely undetectable"). I would definitely do this to such an instrument.

This would entail removing the keywork, oiling thoroughly (inside and out), and leaving the wood in a sealed plastic bag until the oil is absorbed. Then repeat until the wood will absorb no more oil. Wipe thoroughly to remove the residual oil, then reassemble and enjoy your Clarinet. The whole process should take no more than a couple of weeks. When completed, the bore will be unable to absorb moisture; any vacant spaces will be filled with oil, so the wood will be stable.

"Bore Doctor," prepared and sold by Doctor Omar Henderson (a Bulletin Board sponsor), is a superb product for this purpose.

Good luck and regards,
John

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Re: old cracks

Author: Avie
Date: 2004-05-05 12:29

Thanks John. I appreciate your ideas on this very sore subject. ATV

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