Hi everyone,
I have just purchased a second hand Bb, Wooden Clarinet a Boosey & Hawkes Emperor. I would be gratefull if somebody could give me some advice as this is my first wooden instrument.

When I took the Clarinet home, I obviously looked everywhere for cracks and problems with the corks and pads. Fortunatly the only problem, was a barrel with a few cracks in it.

The good news is the person in the shop who sold me the Clarinet, had the insight to include an extra, brand new Boosey & Hawkes Barrel, with no cracks, otherwise I would have been right down there like a bat out of hell !!!!

As I bought some bore oil, over the past few days, twice a day I have been putting a small amout of bore oil on my little finger and applying it to the `injured` barrel. The cracks do not seem quite so bad.

I would appreciate it if somebody would tell me if there is a good chance that the cracks would close with bore oil and patience, or wether I should dispose of it.

Thankyou
Louise

If the cracks on the barrel do not go all the way through it then just oil it until it doesnt soak up oil anymore which may take awhile. Just apply a small amount at a time. If the cracks are completely through the barrel then it is more serious however it can be fixed through oiling. Be sure use organic oils such as olive, lemon, or almond which can be found at drug stores or supermarkets. Whatever you do do not use anything that is not organic which means most oils made by clarinet manufacturers which are usually mineral oils. Oiling is a touchy subject among clarinetists however in your situation it can`t hurt. The cracks will either get bigger and you wont be able to do anything with it or they will close up. It you really want to keep the barrel and the cracks appear to have closed up somewhat then you can take it to a clarinet repairer and he will seal it however he may advise you do just get a new barrel as they crack fairly easily and may be hard to repair. Just don`t throw it away as you don`t know what will happen to it.

Thanks Doug,
Yes the cracks in the barrel look more brutal than they did at first, but God knows what the oil type is that I am using, but thanks for your advice though.