 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: rombilou
Date: 2007-03-02 20:20
Hi,
I used to live in a room where the air was really dry. I haven't play my instrument for a couple of months and realized they became very dry (no cracks, though), even though I left a wet piece of sponge in the case. (this actually happened to my clarinet, oboe, and also the cork of my flute!)
Now I've moved in a much better place, I'd like to recover my instruments... I've been in this new place for 4 days now. I can feel the wood is getting better. My questions are: will I ever recover my instruments? When? What can I do to recover them faster?
When I say it's dry: the metal circlings are loose on the bells and on the barrel, and the cork of my flute is very loose too (impossible to play, it is not airproof anymore).
Thanks,
Rom.
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Author: kilo
Date: 2007-03-03 17:31
I don't claim any expertise, I haven't run any controlled experiments, but my opinion is that, yes, your instruments will recover and reach a degree of equilibrium with the conditions in your new place. I recommend that you invest in an inexpensive humidity gauge, maybe a few of them, and take note of your actual conditions. If the relative humidity is consistently below 40 - 50% think about buying a humidifier -- you will be more comfortable and so will your instruments. Of course humidifiers don't take care of themselves and if you go this route you are assuming another household chore but they really do work, especially if used in one dedicated room.
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Author: hartt
Date: 2007-03-04 02:23
If the wood is as dry as you state...."the metal circlings are loose on the bells and on the barrel", then I would venture to say the ring on the lower joint socket isd also loose.
That said, don't attempt to assemble the joints. The wood has temporarily shrunk and the metal rings remain constant.
If/when one assembles the joints there is a good possibility of cracking the socket. (the wood will expand to the point it meets the ring)
You'll need to humidify the clarinet. One easy, quick way is to use a piece of damp sponge ( a good sized piece), place it in a small 'baggie" adnd perforate the baggie with numerous holes.
Then, place this baggie and the clarinet joints inside a large zip lock bag.
Within 2 days, you will notice the rings tightening up....the wood is absorbing moisture
Now, after you've accomplished this, you'll need to maintain humidity in the case. Oversized dampits, film canisters w/sponge/perforated tops, are just 2 ways to go.
However, remember that the case interior also absorbs moisture. Many cases are foam rubber under the fabric. This in itself acts as an absorbant sponge.. Basically, the interior of a case is a very dry atmosphere.
and don't forget to use cork grease
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Author: kuteclar
Date: 2007-03-13 02:52
Humidify them slowly. Treat them like new instruments. Play them for a few minutes a day - that adds a ton of moisture. Swab them and pack them back up. Use dampits, but do not put them in the joints, but lay them next to the joints. I think my teacher has also set up a small humidified "room" by placing a bowl of water and the instrument pieces all together under something snug and mostly air-tight.
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Author: lrpeterson
Date: 2007-03-15 20:47
I have the same problem with my Buffet Limite. I just bought it in early December, and the bell ring is already loose. The humidity level in my apartment is like the Sahara, even though I live in Milwaukee, WI. I just received a humistat and a gauge to check the humidity level from Doctor Henderson yesterday. So far, no change at all, though I really didn't expect that to work very quickly. I also went out today and bought a humidfier, which I am hoping will make a difference fairly soon. I keep it in my office, practice room, and close the door, so it should humidify that room at least.
Do any of you have any other ideas? A friend of mine suggested steaming up the bathroom and putting the clarinet in that room and closing the door. I'm afraid to try that because I don't want the steam to badly affect the pads and I also don't know if that would be too big a shock for the poor clarinet!
Thanks for any advice,
Larry
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Author: kenny1
Date: 2007-03-25 22:25
I have an acoustic guitar, and one of the best ways to rehumidify it is the 'old shower trick'. It should work OK with your clarinet too, and it shouldn't hurt the pads either. What I do is put the instrument in the bathroom right after I showered, and leave it in there witt the door closed until the steam dissipates.
Don't do it too often though, too much moisture is worse than not enough.
kenny1
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Author: lrpeterson
Date: 2007-03-26 18:24
Thanks Kenny1. I'll give the 'old shower trick' a try. I'm also trying to deal with joint wobble between the top and lower joint, in addition to the loose bell ring, which is still very loose after using the humistat and humidifier for about ten days. I guess I'll have to take it in to see if a new cork on the upper joint will solve the problem and get the bell ring tightened. I never realized taking off about a month from playing would have so many bad effects on my instrument. Before the Buffet, I played a Leblanc Normandy resonite clarinet and tenor and bari saxes, so I never had to worry about all the ins and outs of wooden instruments. Makes me wish I had found out about Tom Ridenour's Lyrique before I bought the Buffet Limite.
Larry
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Author: Koo Young Chung
Date: 2007-03-26 23:52
I don't agree with the bath tub steaming to humidify the clarinet.
Many people misunderstand that it is not the dryness itself but the changes
from dryness to humid condition and vice versa which is more harmful to the clarinet.
If you put your clar.in a damp bath tub for 15 min.and take it out where
the humidity is,say 25 %, then it will have chance to damage
the clar.than left alone in the dry room all along.
It is best to properly humidify the room where the clar. spends most of time.
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