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Re: Humidifying new clarinet as part of break-in period

Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2023-05-25 23:33

Mr. Mitch wrote:

> Mates:
>
> I am a beginning player. I am anxiously awaiting a new Yamaha
> YCL-650 from Europe. I was always going to use a Boveda 49% RH
> pack in the case, but am wondering if there is any benefit to
> placing a Boveda pack in the case for a few days before playing
> it the first time as part of the break-in period to help
> acclimate it from The Netherlands to Atlanta. Thanks.

I'm not sure what trying "to help acclimate it from The Netherlands to Atlanta" is meant to accomplish. The wood of a new clarinet has been saturated with oil in the manufacturing process. The comparison of Netherlands and Atlanta humidity is pretty much irrelevant.

If you ever notice signs of dryness - binding keys or other signs of things moving because the wood is contracting or tenon rings are coming loose and falling off - that's usually the time to add humidity. If you lived in Arizona the wood might start to dry out in a couple of years - or not, depending on where you store the clarinet.

The standard advice for acclimating the wood to the stress of expanding and contracting in the course of playing (blowing warm air into a cooler instrument) is to start with short bursts of playing - 10 or 15 minutes at a time at first - and make sure you physically warm the instrument up with your hands or body before you start playing. Gradually extend the playing time, but never blow into a cold or noticeably cool instrument.

Karl

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