The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: davedmg
Date: 2005-09-15 20:34
I have noticed several drops of moisture between the mouthpiece tenon and the barrel joint while swabbing after practice. There is also some moisture between the upper joint tenon and the lower joint. The corks fit well; no wiggle at all.
Two questions: Is this type of moisture normal? How does moisture get there when the corks are tight? I searched the archives for loint leaks and joint moisture with no success. -- Old Dave, With Still Another Question
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2005-09-15 20:43
Yes, it is completely normal
However you must get it dry and not use your swab to do it. I use (backun suggested it) a Cotton Round which is a makeup cotton shaped round that my wife bought by the hundreds for herself.
Don't use the same round more than just a few times.
Moisture staying on the tenons and changing their shape from the wood rotting is one of the things that over time can "blow out" a Clarinet.
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Author: larryb
Date: 2005-09-15 20:44
I think this is normal - I (and I'm confident most other clarinetists) find moisture in the same locations. The only exception being clarinets with no joints (such as the Rossi).
The corks being tight have nothing to do with condensation occuring throughout the instrument as well as moisture dripping down into those areas. I suppose you would have to have a perfect seal between the bottom of the moutpiece and the opposing surface of the top of the barrel, as well as at the other junctures.
Also, moisture could drip into those areas simply during the disassembly process.
Just don't wipe it out with your swab.
Post Edited (2005-09-16 14:54)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-09-15 20:54
I always shake the joints to get rid of the water in the sockets, then dry them with a piece of kitchen roll to make sure no water remains in the sockets, then run the pullthrough down the bore again.
I also sealed the end grain at the base of the sockets (and tops of tenons) on my clarinets with wax just to prevent water getting into it.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2005-09-15 20:56)
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Author: dummer musiker
Date: 2005-09-16 01:40
Why not use your swab David? Just curious.
"There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats."
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Author: bflatclarinetist
Date: 2005-09-16 01:48
This is always normal for me after my practice sessions. I use my swab, but perhaps I should stop?
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2005-09-16 02:48
You don't want to get cork grease on your swab and pull it through the Clarinet later.
Morrie had another reason for it as well, but I don't recall his exact words so can't quote him.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-09-16 06:38
I worked ona pair of early Leblanc Concertos (and probably the first Concerto A that sold here in the UK just after they were on the market) and the owner hadn't cleaned his pullthrough for some time.
The bore was coated with a thin layer of grease which had also built up in the toneholes.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2005-09-16 13:27
After having tried various methods I agree with David's solution. A throwaway type of wipe is best because of the cork grease problem. I have also used a handkerchief when necessary.
Bob Draznik
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Author: bflatclarinetist
Date: 2005-09-17 01:05
Oh, I've never thought of getting the cork grease in the bore by the swab. Thanks for the notice!
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Author: ClariBone
Date: 2005-09-17 14:33
I usually just use my shirt to wipe the sockets dry. But perphaps I should find an alternative method??
Clayton
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2005-09-17 15:23
That seems logical considering you're always going to be wearing a clean shirt each time!
Won't do a white shirt any good though!
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