I`m looking for tips on how to maintain a wooden clarinet properly, none of my teachers ever mentioned it (or had one) so my knowledge is limited to common sense.

Is it a new one that you just got? If it is, you would want to be especially careful with it. First, like any other new wooden clarinet, you`d have to break it in little by litte, playing just small amounts each day and gradually. Second, the cold winter weather is not good for wood. Be sure to keep it in a good constant temperature and do not let it be exposed to sudden temperature changes.

Always swab carefully after each practice session and apply bore oil once every change of season.

its rather old (I`m not sure how old). I bought it "well used" and I`ve been playing it for five years since.
thanks for the tips.

Well, if you have been using it for five years and it hasn`t developed any cracks yet, then you must be doing a good enough job keeping care of it. Always remember, the key to preventing wood from cracking is to keep it at good temperatures and let it stay dry.

cracks are actually pretty rare on older ones; i`m quite glad i have an old (really old) clarinet, stops me from worrieng so much

im getting a new buffet R.C and it would be helpfull if someone could give me an in depth guide to how to prevent cracking