How to prevent a wooden instrument from cracking
There are many viewpoints on the issue of how to prevent an instrument from cracking. From "you can’t" as ?if it will crack it will crack? to specific care to be taken. I?d rather caution on the safe side rather than throw caution into the wind.
[1] A new wooden instrument is under great stress when new. It has not gone through the rigorous cycles of warming up and cooling down. The first six months are very important for the instrument. There are many viewpoints when it comes to how to break in a new instrument (or even if). Keep the bore well oiled for the first 6 months. Basically, a few drops on a pull through is all that is needed. After about an hour if the instrument didn’t need it then swab out any excess. But only do this if it looks dry or better yet feel inside the bore on occasion to see if it feels rough to the touch (it’s wood but it was bored and polished at the factory).
Also do not forget about the sockets and tenons, especially the sockets. Check you barrel sockets for excessive dryness especially if older.
[2] Keep the instrument dry. After playing, dry the instrument thoroughly so that any moisture does not soak into the wood. Initial factory oiling and bore oil should prevent this, but keeping it dry is an extra precaution.
[3] Prevent extreme temperature changes.
If you live in a cold climate do not leave your instrument in the cold for long periods of time. And keep it with you in the main cabin of your vehicle and in a warm spot (not the trunk if at all possible).
Also do not leave the instrument in the hot sun in the summer, or in a vehicle. The interior of a car can get extremely hot sitting in the sun.
An outer case cover can help keep the instrument cooler (to a point) in the summer.
Of course, even taking these precautions you have to take others. No matter what, you do have to walk from your vehicle to a practice room in the summer or winter. In extreme temperature situations (going to practice in the winter), leave the case open so that the instrument has some time to come up to ambient room temperature.
If still cold to the touch put the barrel and upper joint under your arm pit to assist the outer wood to warm up. We are trying to avoid the outer wood from being super cold and contracted and thus having opposite forces of the inner bore getting nice and warm and expanding.
[4] Prevent any drops or other severe shocks to the instrument. Have you ever seen bell or lower tenon cracks on soprano clarinets? That is usually due to someone dropping the instrument.
Hope this helps
Read why wood instruments crack
http://www.woodwindforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=981
There are many viewpoints on the issue of how to prevent an instrument from cracking. From "you can’t" as ?if it will crack it will crack? to specific care to be taken. I?d rather caution on the safe side rather than throw caution into the wind.
[1] A new wooden instrument is under great stress when new. It has not gone through the rigorous cycles of warming up and cooling down. The first six months are very important for the instrument. There are many viewpoints when it comes to how to break in a new instrument (or even if). Keep the bore well oiled for the first 6 months. Basically, a few drops on a pull through is all that is needed. After about an hour if the instrument didn’t need it then swab out any excess. But only do this if it looks dry or better yet feel inside the bore on occasion to see if it feels rough to the touch (it’s wood but it was bored and polished at the factory).
Also do not forget about the sockets and tenons, especially the sockets. Check you barrel sockets for excessive dryness especially if older.
[2] Keep the instrument dry. After playing, dry the instrument thoroughly so that any moisture does not soak into the wood. Initial factory oiling and bore oil should prevent this, but keeping it dry is an extra precaution.
[3] Prevent extreme temperature changes.
If you live in a cold climate do not leave your instrument in the cold for long periods of time. And keep it with you in the main cabin of your vehicle and in a warm spot (not the trunk if at all possible).
Also do not leave the instrument in the hot sun in the summer, or in a vehicle. The interior of a car can get extremely hot sitting in the sun.
An outer case cover can help keep the instrument cooler (to a point) in the summer.
Of course, even taking these precautions you have to take others. No matter what, you do have to walk from your vehicle to a practice room in the summer or winter. In extreme temperature situations (going to practice in the winter), leave the case open so that the instrument has some time to come up to ambient room temperature.
If still cold to the touch put the barrel and upper joint under your arm pit to assist the outer wood to warm up. We are trying to avoid the outer wood from being super cold and contracted and thus having opposite forces of the inner bore getting nice and warm and expanding.
[4] Prevent any drops or other severe shocks to the instrument. Have you ever seen bell or lower tenon cracks on soprano clarinets? That is usually due to someone dropping the instrument.
Hope this helps
Read why wood instruments crack
http://www.woodwindforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=981
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