 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ashley
Date: 2001-02-21 02:01
Ya know how my clarinet cracked the other day, right before my college audition? well, i just got it out about 2 minutes ago, and it seems the crack has pushed itself together and you can barely see it now. weeeiiiirrrrddd..... i'm gettting a new upper joint, whenever it gets here, apparently there was a problem w/ the way the register key hole was drilled before, and its been since fixed. so the new upper joint wont be prone to cracking... But why is it that my crack seemed to almost disappear??
~ashley~
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2001-02-21 02:04
IIt's probably a little warmer now. Repair folk wait for the crack to "grow together" before they pin it, too.
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Author: Jim
Date: 2001-02-21 03:49
The thing to know is that wood is really a tree, that is a living thing (or formerly so.) Like us, the cell structure of living wood contains a great deal of water. As wood is prepared for use much of this water is allowed to dry out by air contact, or forced out with heat. Even wood that is considered "bone dry" is actually at least 8% water. Wood also is designed by nature to allow water to pass through in the long direction of the grain. This is why end grain is so absorbant. Dry wood will readily absorb water from damp air and other moisture. As the water content changes, the dimentions of the wood will change as well, this in the cross grain direction. A 5 & 1/2 inch board can gain/ loose as much as a half inch of width. As this occurs, cracks (called "checks") can occur along the grain, usually at the ends. Often, boards have wax on the ends to prevent this. A cabinet maker buys boards a bit long to be able to cut off the checked ends. This is also why many homeowners will find that doors that are loose in heating season will bind and stick in humid weather. The clarinet is at a disadvantage here as we transport it through temperature and humidity changes, then blow warm, humid breath on just the inside of the bore. Of course, the wood is carefully dried and selected for stability, and treated (oiled) to limit water absorbtion. But... And a stress point like a miss-drilled hole can make the difference.
If you can't tell, I'm a carpenter as well as a clarinetist. Wood is a wonderful material, but it has its limitations.
I'm glad your joint is to be replaced and that they have discovered the weakness. My best to you for your future!
Jim
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-02-21 11:54
Hey Ashley,
You can see a clear illustration of humidity related movement on wood floors.
Find a hardwood floor and see if you can slip a dollar bill or index card between two slats.
Go back to the same spot in August and the joint will have closed.
Sorry to hear about the crack, it is one of the most heartbreaking sounds.
I had my horn pinned back in November and it plays just fine.
Hope they fix your baby the way you like it,
anji
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Author: Rissa
Date: 2001-02-21 20:55
FYI....Something I learned this summer at Governor's School is that an orange peel or two in the case will help suck out the humidity and repair small cracks. Cool huh?!
~*RISSA*~
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-02-22 08:03
And orange peel vapours are likely to gradually collapse any polystyrene foam in the case lining. Squeeze a piece of oange peel onto some foam. It vanishes in seconds.
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Author: Rissa
Date: 2001-02-22 17:19
wow! I didnt know that! Forget that idea!! Thanks for letting me know before it became too late!!
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Author: Ken
Date: 2001-02-22 17:50
If it was me, I wouldn't be so quick to swap out the cracked joint for a replacement even if it IS new, consider keeping the original and getting it pinned especially if it's only a hairline crack and you're happy with your horn to begin with. No matter how you slice it, you're going to wind up with a mis-matched horn you'll have to live with, and it can and WILL be a totally different instrument. I'd call the manufactuer and tell them you want to keep both for 15-30 days to play then compare running the new joint through its paces like any other new horn you're trying out and scrutinize closely. You can always send the replacement back with no problem.
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