Notes for the cold season

After a warm summer, which was very unproblematic for the wood of the clarinets, the heating period and the change between dry warm room air, cold air, outside temperatures below 10 degrees etc. is a challenge for the clarinet body. Cracks in the wood can occur more easily during this time.

Help your instrument and preserve its value with a few conscious actions – for a carefree winter:

• Before playing, warm up the mouthpiece, the barrel and the upper joint well, but from the outside and not by blowing into them. A cold tube allows the warm and humid breathing air to condense more quickly!
• After the first 10 minutes, use the pull-through wiper and wipe out the condensation that has formed. A lot of moisture collects between the barrel and the upper joint in particular; simply tap or wipe this out.
• During breaks and after playing, dismantle the instrument and remove moisture from the bore and tone holes (blow out). We also recommend clamping paper (e.g. for coffee filters or cigarettes) between the pad and the tone hole. This allows the body to dry out slowly and prevents moisture build-up around the tone hole.
• It is also advisable to wrap the case in a cloth (towel) during the cold season. This also prevents mechanical faults (e.g. the keys getting stuck).
• If possible, you should not place the instrument near radiators.
• Short rule: After playing, open the keys and put the instrument disassembled in the case.

If you follow these recommendations, your precious instrument will survive the colder half of the year without damage!