 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: rossbu
Date: 2009-11-17 09:51
Hi all,
When I finish playing, I like to swab my clarinet out until it is dry. Around the register key, this often requires multiple passes with a swab.
Does anyone have a suggestion as to how to do this more efficiently?
thanks,
Burt
bross141@comcast.net
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2009-11-17 15:56
Should swab out about every 15 minutes during playing as well.
David Dow
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Author: William
Date: 2009-11-17 16:01
You don't have to swab the bore until absolutely dry. The sparse remaining moisture will evaporate quickly before being absorbed in the wood. Two general "passes" are more than sufficient to clear or disperse the condensation left from playing. If you are acculating moisture in our side key tone holes (ala gurgling sounds, etc), swabbing during the performance/practice session is needed. Use of a silk hankerchief swab is recommended over the chamois thingie that comes with many new cheaper clarinets.
Post Edited (2009-11-17 16:04)
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Author: salzo
Date: 2009-11-17 16:04
How many clarinet crack up there near or through the register tube? A lot!
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2009-11-17 19:14
William and David are both right, swabbing during each session and 2 swabs are more than enough.
The slight amount of moisture remaining will evaporate quickly.
This moisture is not the cause of cracking, that results from several causes e.g. playing a stone cold clarinet or failing to regularly oil a newish instrument.
Personally I always swab from the bell end, its just as efficient as from the top and avoids damaging the sharp bore edge of the barrel from constant swab friction.
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Author: salzo
Date: 2009-11-17 19:28
"This moisture is not the cause of cracking, that results from several causes e.g. playing a stone cold clarinet or failing to regularly oil a newish instrument.'
I had a new barrel crack this summer, must have been at least 80 degrees- Certainly was not "stone cold"- tend to think it had more to do with the severe humidity drop that occurred overnight.
Moisture left in the bore ABSOLUTELY causes cracks.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-11-18 00:27
Some clarinets, bells and barrels will crack no matter what you do, period. I've known players that have been almost excessive in swabbing, cleaning every tendon, drying the clarinet very completely and their clarinet still cracked. Years ago when Iggy Genussa played principal in the BSO here there were actually times he would not swab his clarinet at all after a concert because he didn't want to change anything after being so happy. ( yes, he had some strange habits ). His clarinet didn't crack either of those times.
I totally agree with David Dow and Norman, swab about every 15 minutes and once or twice is enough. I too swab via the bell, I don't think it makes a bit of difference, it just goes in easier that way for me. Just make sure the swab is fully opened first so it doesn't get caught on the register tube as it goes through.
I've had clarinets for over 50 years and I've never had a single crack in any clarinet I've ever owned. Maybe a little luck, maybe a little care. I'm not excessive but I do swab and I do make sure the pads are dry before putting them away. I keep my room humidity controlled, to a point, in the winter, keep a dampit in my case during the winter months and just use common sense. You know, don't play it outside if it's really cold, don't keep it near a heater, you know, common sense. I now own five clarinets now, still no crack anywhere. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-11-18 00:59
Common sense???? You expect us to exhibit COMMON SENSE, Ed? ![[whoa]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie10.gif) ![[grin]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie5.gif)
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
Post Edited (2009-11-18 01:00)
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Author: rossbu
Date: 2009-11-18 01:21
Thanks all for your responses - I am very paranoid about cracks, so I've become fanatical about moisture. Actually, I use a bit of chamois to make sure the joints are totally dry.
FYI, I use Dr.'s Products swabs mostly, so I know that I'm using a top product.
Burt
bross141@comcast.net
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