New Clarinet Break-In Guidelines
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NEW CLARINET BREAK-IN GUIDELINES
New clarinets need to be gradually broken in to allow the instrument to adjust to the moisture from the player's breath and the vibrations of the wood produced during playing.
- Warm the instrument up - If the instrument is cold when you take it out of the case, warm up the joints with your hands or place under your arm until the outside comes up to room temperature. Do not blow warm air through the instrument without warming up the outside first.
- Time – In the first week, play the clarinet no more than 30 minutes per day, split into two 15-minute sessions. Gradually increase the playing time over the next month.
- Swabbing – Swab your clarinet often during the first month to reduce moisture buildup. Swab it every 5 minutes while playing. When you've finished for the day, make certain to dry out the sockets of the barrel, lower joint and bell before putting the instrument away in its case.
- Oiling – Lightly oil the inside of the clarinet after the first and second six-week periods of playing. After that, oil it every 3 months. If you're unsure how to do this, ask a technician to help.
- Consistency – It's important to play your clarinet every day during the break-in period to help it adjust to moisture and stay stable. If you need to stop playing for a while, use a humidifier in the case to keep the humidity level steady. When you resume playing, gradually increase the time you play.
- Tenon Fit – Sometimes, a new clarinet may swell and cause the joints to fit together too tightly, especially around the barrel/upper joint area. If this happens, let the clarinet dry out for a couple of days to relax the fit. If the barrel can't be removed, contact a technician. We do NOT recommend putting the clarinet in the freezer to free tight joints!
By following these simple steps, you’ll reduce the chance of cracking, improve the clarinet’s performance, and help it last longer.