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 Clarinets play better with a dry bore.
Author: ruben 
Date:   2025-07-19 18:14

The weather is hot here in Paris -it's getting hotter every year-so when, I practise, there is very little condensation in the bore of my clarinet. I've often noticed that this makes it play better. My conclusion: when there is considerable condensation in the bore, swab it out several times during a practice session; gently, so that you don't bring about wear and tear and change the bore's dimensions. Am I right or wrong? (if I'm wrong, it won't be the first time!)

rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com


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 Re: Clarinets play better with a dry bore.
Author: Chris P 
Date:   2025-07-19 19:25

I'm still getting gurgly speaker tubes and condensation collecting in high level toneholes (and waterlogged 8ve vents on both saxes and oboes) even in this heat.

Why are these things defying physics?

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010


Independent Woodwind Repairer
Single and Double Reed Specialist

Oboes, Clarinets and Saxes

NOT A MEMBER OF N.A.M.I.R.

The opinions I express are my own.

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 Re: Clarinets play better with a dry bore.
Author: Tony F 
Date:   2025-07-19 19:50

I think humidity is as much a factor as temperature.

Tony F.

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 Re: Clarinets play better with a dry bore.
Author: Paul Aviles 
Date:   2025-07-19 22:34

also....... if the wood of your clarinet (or whatever material it is made of) happens to be COOLER (due to air conditioning) than the air you blow into it 98.7 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.05 Celsius) then you'll experience condensation.....like the water that drips off a cold glass onto your best wooden furniture.




.............Paul Aviles



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 Re: Clarinets play better with a dry bore.
Author: Chris P 
Date:   2025-07-19 23:33

We don't have air conditioning in the UK.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010


Independent Woodwind Repairer
Single and Double Reed Specialist

Oboes, Clarinets and Saxes

NOT A MEMBER OF N.A.M.I.R.

The opinions I express are my own.

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 Re: Clarinets play better with a dry bore.
Author: m1964 
Date:   2025-07-20 01:50

Chris P wrote:

> We don't have air conditioning in the UK.

I feel bad for you and Ruben.

It seems to me that if a pad is leaking ever so slightly, the tone hole is more likely to get moisture. Not talking about the "usual suspects" C#/G# and side Eb/Bb



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 Re: Clarinets play better with a dry bore.
Author: Fuzzy 
Date:   2025-07-20 06:40

I played with a dry bore once...he sat 1st chair. I didn't feel my clarinet played any better than usual though. Ha!

Fuzzy
;^)>>>

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 Re: Clarinets play better with a dry bore.
Author: ruben 
Date:   2025-07-20 09:46

Even aside from the problem of condensation guzzling in the toneholes, a dry bore makes for better tone. At least that is my impression, and it rather stands to reason.

rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com


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 Re: Clarinets play better with a dry bore.
Author: ruben 
Date:   2025-07-20 10:10

In Europe, we play in a lot of cold, barely-heated churches in winter. Thus, we get a river flowing through the clarinet because of condensation. I make generous use of my swab, even between movements.

rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com


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 Re: Clarinets play better with a dry bore.
Author: Philip Caron 
Date:   2025-07-20 18:17

Sound travels 4.3 times faster in water than in air. I wonder how a clarinet would sound with the entire instrument immersed in water.

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 Re: Clarinets play better with a dry bore.
Author: ruben 
Date:   2025-07-20 19:33

Philip: It would sound like Acker Bilk was playing it.

rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com


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