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Doublereed Archive - Posting 000043.txt from 2007/03
From: "Harry Searing" <hsearing@-----.net>
Subj: [DR-L] RE: Plastic binding for bassoon reeds
Date: Mon, 05 Mar 2007 23:50:52 -0500
I=92ve been using the melted toothbrush handles in acetone for many =
years.
I love it. Here are some pointers:
1.) The trick is for it not to be too thick or too thin. I try to make
the mixture kind of almost runny. If it slowly runs off my reeds as I
hang them to dry, that=92s good.=20
2.) I cut the toothbrush handles into small pieces so that they melt
faster.
3.) Do not get too much on the tube of the reed so that in inhibits
vibration.=20
4.) I also try to keep it from touching the second wire. If it stops a
little before, that=92s fine.
5.) I also put a fourth wire down at the end of the tube so that more of
the stuff collects there, making a bit of a weight (like a Turk=92s =
ball)
so that just in case you drop a reed, the butt end hits first. Also
makes for a more stable tube. The fourth wire is about 1.5 mm from the
end, and the third wire is 5 mm from the end.
6.) Before coating a blank, I make a plug out of rolled up masking tape,
so that none of the stuff goes inside.
7.) I hang them straight up and down, in order for them to dry. I use
masking tape to suspend them from the edge of my reed desk.
8.) I find the cheap, clear plastic CVS toothbrushes to be perfect. Some
others don=92t melt properly. You can use the colored clear ones, =
although
I stick with blue as it basically ends up clear. I then use nail polish
if I want to mark blanks for whatever purpose, different cane, shape,
profile, etc.
9.) An empty jar of PACE salsa is the perfect size. It has a wide mouth
and it=92s too big around that you have to make a large amount of the
mixture. Keep the lid on tight so that it doesn=92t dry out and harden. =
If
the does, just add more acetone until the stuff melts.
Here are what I see as the advantages over other methods:
1.) Makes for an excellent, airtight seal.
2.) Can close up gaps caused by faulty beveling.=20
3.) Keeps the tip opening stable.
4.) I think my reeds last longer using this method because there=92s =
less
expanding and shrinkage (=93tell her about shrinkage!=94). I feel =
that=92s
what wears out most reeds. The tube=92s structural integrity =
deteriorates.
5.) I think my reeds vibrate better. They feel more solid.
Any one has any questions, I=92d be happy to respond, either to this =
group
or privately.
Harry Searing
Bassoon, Contrabassoon, Heckelphone
Faculty: Montclair State University (NY), CUNY (NY)
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