 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Yangz
Date: 2011-05-01 10:09
Greetings,
I would kindly like to seek all possible advices on some issues I've been dealing and wondering with on my instrument.
I've a Orsi Bb Clarinet that was bought from the states to Singapore about a year ago.
With it, came a Humistat and one ringless, if I am not wrong, the 65mm Euro bore and the 66mm tenon ring bore barrel.
I've noticed that my upper joint keys were clouded (not a new instrument when I bought it, not first hand) and tarnished, but as time goes by, it seems to tarnish even more, lower joint was fine, but a little is acting up on the keys too.
The upper joint suffers quite a bit since I received it till date, greenish and clouded keys and the local technician told me it was wearing out it's plating too, very thin.
The 65mm ringless barrel had a hairline crack on the top outside barrel and recently upon rechecking it, it seems to have extended to a little of 0.5cm more hairline crack. I normally plays on the 66mm barrel and I do leave my clarinet in my room that's nightly air conditioned sometimes without using it for a month or so.
For more information, I tried using the humistat with two to three holes opened and though during the first half a year there's no extend cracking, it seems to tarnish and clouds the keys. I too, left my polish cloth in the case, above the clarinet.
Singapore is a dry climate with high humidty country and thus I would like to seek advices if I should use the humistat to prevent cracking, of it would further tarnish the keys further, if polish cloth on it on the Case worsen it and any other advices on all issues above.
Thank you very much and Have a nice day ahead.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Elifix
Date: 2011-05-01 11:13
Just dont let the instrument get cold-hot-cold-hot or vice versa too quickly.
Instruments should not crack in Singapore (i am from Singapore). At least, a minimal chance as compared to the States or other seasonal countries. It is possible that the barrel crack is either because of the cold-hot thingy or because of the climatic change from US back to Singapore. The cracked barrel is possible to repair but I suggest dont bother, probably cheaper or at least more worth to get a new one. Also, dont play on the cracked barrel, it will only make it worse.
You dont need to use a humistat in Singapore. For the keys, probably you could just re-plate everything, ask Sean of Windworks or get a new set of keys if you feel. Polishing the keys wont stop it from tarnisihing, maybe only reduce but eventually, it will go too...
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Elifix
Date: 2011-05-01 11:15
If you want, I recommend just leaving the instrument not air-conditioned, in the living room? Nothing will happen, you just need to remember to swap in dry.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: skygardener
Date: 2011-05-01 16:20
The tarnish on your keys is probably from the salty air from the ocean. The best you can do is wipe down the keys every day. Also you can put one of those anti-tarnish silver strips in your case- it might help a little.
The cracks are just cracks- they can happen in all climates. I am from Hawaii and I know people that have had cracks in their clarinets and oboes. Maybe there are not as many cracks as if you were living in Canada, but still, cracks are possible.
The cracks should be repaired by a good repair person in your area.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2011-05-01 19:34
The Humistat wouldn't do any of the above to the keys. But you don't want too much humidity in the case, or you can get mold, mildew.
If you use the Humistat, make sure that the white cotton part stays while, and doesn't get dark. Get a new one if that happens. (if you need to use it).
I'm friends with the owner, and have been an Artist Consultant for them.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: beejay
Date: 2011-05-01 22:19
If you can get hold of a block of pure camphor, put a small lump in a photo canister or similar container, punch a few holes in the top and put it in your case. Not only should it inhibit tarnish, according to a 19th century book of household hints that I have, but it will also imbue your case with a nice odor. Since most camphor nowadays comes from China, you shouldn't have any difficulty finding some.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
