 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: DaKid556
Date: 2002-02-26 22:59
Hello! I'm new to the forums and I have one question: What's the best humidity level in a room to keep a wooden clarinet stored in?
I have a humidifier in my case, but I hear that the outside should be pretty humidified too. Is this true? Thanks!
(I guess it turned out to be two questions!)
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2002-02-27 14:40
The first thing that you want to get is a small hygrometer (relative humidity meter) for your case which can be an inexpensive chemical indicator strip or one of the small round types sold for cigar humidors (hint - if you do a search for humidors and supplies you can find one on the www for under US$10. rather than paying the cigar store markup). There are some famous players that keep their horns and reeds in special chambers with controlled RH - most of us use cheaper alternatives (al la Tupperware). The reason for the meter - to know how much or how little water vapor to add in the case - otherwise you are adjusting blindly.
My humble choice for a RH is above 40% but less than 55% RH. There have been several discussions on types of humidifiers - commerical and home made on the BB. Above 70% RH you run the risk of potential mold and mildew growth, above 85% RH you can count on it (below 50% RH bacteria, mold and mildew growth are inhibited). With heat and high RH you need to remove water. Probably the best solution is to control the RH in your practice room and just keep the horn there as much as possible (practice while there is good too!).
The Doctor
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