 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: NathanMurta
Date: 2016-06-04 03:07
I just received my new R13 today! I love and It sounds Beautiful, But how should I go about breaking it in. Should I be able to break it in completely in about ten days?
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Author: BbMajorBoy
Date: 2016-06-04 04:22
No! It will take a lot longer than that.
Use the search function on the top right of the page.
Leonard Bernstein: "To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time."
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Author: TomS
Date: 2016-06-04 04:24
IMHO, just play it ... not excessively (I know the urge is to play a new clarinet a lot at first!). Swab out after each session, disassemble clarinet, dry the sockets with a rag and , place in case and leave the lid open, so it can dry and moisture won't build up in the case ... let it rest for a few hours each time. Leave the lid open as much as possible to let the instrument get accustomed to your surroundings.
I don't know how long to "break in" a wooden instrument, but I never was too neurotic about that ... and I've only cracked one clarinet, and that was during outdoor marching season (hot air thru a cold clarinet will do it every time). I know one truly "world class" professional that tried using Greenline clarinets due to cracking issues (her old R13 was held together with super glue!) and discovered she was allergic to the Greenline material (!!!) ... bought a new wooden R13 and very slowly broke it in ... didn't see the light of day or the sound of an ensemble for a while.
What does Buffet say about this? I'd shoot them a question ...
Tom
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Author: TomS
Date: 2016-06-04 04:30
Yeah, I think 10 days is pushing it ... maybe a month. But someone will tell you that clarinets don't need breaking in at all, I am sure ...
Just be careful ... if you get by one year without cracking, it is probably gonna be OK for a long time ... if you don't do something stupid, like I did.
Yeah, the temptation is to play it every chance you get ... and even sleep with it when it is new ...
Tom
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2016-06-04 23:25
The last person I ever heard talk about this was Hans Moennig, which may date the advice a little, but his recommendation was to limit playing a new clarinet to 20 minutes at a time (not necessarily a daily limit - just per playing session) for a week, then increase it gradually over the next couple of weeks.
And yes, I have read comments here that break-in of a clarinet is unnecessary, especially in the summer, when it's warm and fairly humid. It's probably true - unless you're always playing in air conditioned rooms with a low temperature setting.
I wouldn't get too severe about this. Just make sure it isn't noticeably cold when you start, and take it easy for a couple of weeks. If there's something specific coming up in 10 days, I'd say go ahead and use it, but be careful about sudden changes from cold to warm. And if it makes you uncomfortable to play it full time that soon, then don't. I wouldn't baby it for any more than 3 weeks.
FWIW, when I bought each of my instruments, I just started playing them - no clock. And no cracks.
Karl
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Author: Bennett ★2017
Date: 2016-06-05 00:54
From Buffet's website:
http://www.buffet-crampon.com/en/care-maintenance/
To prevent cracks on the body
1. In the case of a new instrument, do not play it continuously for more than 30 minutes daily during the first month.
2. Avoid any rapid change of temperature and humidity.
For instance, do not leave the instrument in the blazing sun, outdoor in winter, or near an airconditioner or heater.
3. Before putting the instrument in the case, dry the bore completely with your pullthrough (swab).
4. No bore oil, etc. needs to be used to prevent cracks in a new instrument. Observing the precautions in 1. and 2. is sufficient.
Note: Should any wooden instrument crack, it will never affect the intonation and tone quality if the instrument is properly repaired.
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Author: maxopf
Date: 2016-06-05 02:57
Attachment: Break In Policy Cl.pdf (62k)
Here are the break-in instructions RDG provides with new instruments. I purchased my Bb clarinet at the NY Buffet Showroom through RDG; I've had it almost a year now, and there are no signs of cracks or anything.
I was also told by someone to start at even less time — maybe 5-10 minutes per practice session the first day — and add 5 minutes a day until you reach your regular amount of practice time.
Post Edited (2016-06-05 02:59)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-06-05 09:13
You've bought your clarinet at the right time of year as spring and early summer is best due to humidity levels being at their highest as well as temperatures being more even (unless you've got the air con in full whack).
Never buy a wooden clarinet or oboe in autumn or winter as the humidity levels are low and more sudden and wide changes in temperature will increase the risk of cracking.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2016-06-06 02:15
One important point with a new instrument is to dry out the sockets after playing. A piece of paper towel is perfect for this as prevents any excess cork grease getting on your swab.
I would also ensure the upper toneholes are free of water too by fingering top joint closed with left hand and stopping bottom of bore with right. Then just blow into joint and operate the trill keys and A and Ab throat keys individually whilst blowing.
(The toneholes exhibit end grain which is the most vulnerable part of the wood)
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