 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kdk
Date: 2019-04-09 22:49
I've read here about many clarinetists' use of Boveda (or the re-packaged Rico version) humidity packs in reed holders or plastic bags to keep reeds from drying out.
Does anyone here use them to keep the interior of an instrument case at a constant humidity? When I've used any kind of humidifier at all in my cases, I've used either Dampits or orange peels. The Dampits dry out quickly and so need constant rewetting to be of any use - a nuisance if the instrument isn't in regular use. Orange peels only work if you eat oranges at the time of year when humidity is most likely to be a problem (winter with its dry forced-air central heat), and they also need to replaced after a few days.
Someone a few days ago suggested using the Boveda packs. I wonder if anyone here has experience with them as instrument humidifiers. For those who may know, how many packs would it take to maintain the humidity in a single clarinet case? Or are multiple packs just redundant? In a larger bass clarinet case? How long would it/they last before needing to be replaced?
I'm mainly concerned about keeping the wood from moving in instruments I don't play as often - my bass and Eb get very sporadic use and my rosewood C clarinet is my spare C but is very susceptible to humidity-based changes resulting in binding keys when I first get it out to use it.
If they would maintain humidity at all, which would be the better level for storage between uses -37% or 49% packs?
Karl
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2019-04-09 23:27
I use 49% boveda packs, the small 8gram ones, in my horns — and in situations like you’re asking about. The hygrometers in those cases show ~50% humidity, so I’m inclined to believe they work.
After a long winter they can be dried out and need replacing.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2019-04-09 23:48
Karl, I am working on that question right now: Along with my last order of 75% RH Bovedas for my cigar humidor, I ordered some 49% RH Bovedas and additional digital hygrometers for my clarinets in long-term storage.
I am familiar with them for use with cigar humidors, and the airtightness of lid seal is the critical and limiting factor in how well they work.
I've got some old, compact, vinyl-covered woodshell clarinet cases that will be devoted to long-tern clarinet storage. I'll be adding some foam weatherstripping to seal up the lid gaps. We'll see how it goes.
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2019-04-09 23:49
Karl and Tobin -
Thanks for the info on the use of this product. The literature sure makes it look promising!
Tobin, have you ever noticed any effect on the metal surfaces (especially springs, etc.) on your clarinets? I know the literature says the only exhaust is purified water vapor...but the salt thing makes me wonder. I might try these for some of my long-term storage instruments.
Thanks,
Fuzzy
Post Edited (2019-04-10 00:21)
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2019-04-10 05:59
Fuzzy — no negative impact, but I wouldn’t go higher than 49%.
Ursa— I use them in Buffet and Yamaha cases. Just put one in a Reed and Squeak soft case — no idea how that will hold up in winter. Otherwise they work fine.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2019-04-10 06:25
Tobin, thanks for the response.
I am going to use mine in old Noblet cases that are barely big enough to hold a clarinet. As with cigar humidors, keeping the case volume as small as possible should yield more consistent humidity control as well as longer life for the Bovedas.
It occurs to me that a small, inexpensive cigar humidor equipped with a 49% Boveda might be just the thing for long-term reed storage.
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2019-04-10 06:31
I live in the desert where the humidity is very low. I use 72% as does my teacher who is also the clarinet professor at the local university. I've not had problems.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2019-04-10 20:25
Ursa — I use 72% humidity for the cane reeds that I use. I have a 49% in my Buffet bass clarinet case, BTW.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Jarmo Hyvakko
Date: 2019-04-13 12:03
Didn't d'Addario sell bigger bags for guitar cases at some time?
Jarmo Hyvakko, Principal Clarinet, Tampere Philharmonic, Finland
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