The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: Humidity

Author: Micke Isotalo ★2017
Date: 2017-10-16 11:12

My experience with reeds is the following:

* If indoors humidity is 50 % or more, arranging for any extra humidity would just be a waste of time and effort - or even causing possible mold.

* If using humidifiers, either self-made or others, I would keep the level as close to 50 % as possible, not exceeding about 55 % - to avoid possible mold.

* If indoors humidity is more than 70 % I would arrange for a less humid environment for my reeds. Both to avoid mold and since they don't play well in such a wet state.

* Vandoren recommends a 40-70 % humidity level for their reeds, but in my experience artificially added humidity to a 55-70 % level may cause mold.

* If you don't mind monitoring the humidity level in numbers, the Vandoren Hygro reed case (for 6 reeds, HRC10 or HRC20) has worked very well for me. Just add water to the sponge when the indicator turns blue instead of pink. If room humidity is 50 % or more, take out the sponge or keep it dry. I have never had problems with mold with these cases and I've been using them for years now.

* Mold may appear in different ways, for example as dark or black dots (usually on the vamp, not the bark) or as web-like growth which may be greenish, grayish or whitish. Besides the vamp also the bottom end of the reed may be affected.

With clarinets I once took out a new wooden clarinet that had been stored for about a year. It was wintertime with low indoors humidity and several of the keys were binding. I but a humidifying device in the case and kept it that way for a few days. After that the keys worked just fine. However, and as has been said above by others, I have never had any need for extra humidity for a clarinet in regular use.

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics