The Importance of Staying Hydrated (Care & Feeding for a New Wooden Clarinet)

When it comes to caring for wooden clarinets, probably the most confusing issue is when (usually when, not if) it will crack. There is no guarantee that the clarinet will not crack, and no way to predict this. There ARE measures that the player can take to lessen the likelihood of this happening, and it all has to do with humidity and hydration. Moisture can be absorbed into the clarinet from playing it and from the condensation that accumulates in the main body. Moisture is a good thing, unless it is caused by rain or other "outside" elements.

After your clarinet is properly broken in or "seasoned", the chances of cracking are relatively low, so here are some suggestions to help preserve your instrument:

1. Begin by playing the new clarinet for only 15-20 minutes a day for the first week.
2. Increase playing to 15-20 minutes twice a day for week, then add a few minutes each day until you get to your usual length of practice sessions.
3. SWAB OFTEN! I recommend swabbing several times a day during the first few days. A microfiber or silk swab is best.
4. AVOID extreme temperature changes. The best temperature for a clarinet is between 65-75 degrees, which is usually room temperature. You should never play a clarinet that is cold to the touch because this will cause a change in temperature that is too rapid. Allow the instrument to come to room temperature first; this helps moisturize the instrument as well, lessening the chance of a crack. Never leave your clarinet in your car or anywhere where extreme cold or heat can occur.
5. Always store the instrument in the case when not in use. This will protect it from temperature changes brought on by central heat/air conditioning.
6. If possible, a humidifier made especially for woodwind instruments would be a great addition to the case.

If you find that your clarinet pitch is flat or bell and barrel rings are loose, you may need to add some moisture to your case. A good way to do this is to put a wet paper towel inside a baggie (left open) in the case for a couple of days; this should cause the wood to expand, and rings will fit again. Lots of people put orange peels in a baggie to achieve the same results - plus this makes your case smell good!

Oiling

There are several different opinions on oiling, but my preference is to keep an old swab in your case that has 5-10 drops of bore oil on it. Use this swab a couple of times a week and this will help the wood hold moisture. Don't use this swab every time; have another swab for everyday use. It's also a good idea to have your clarinet oiled by a professional technician about once a year.