Doublereed Archive - Posting 000048.txt from 2007/03

From: herb fawcett <herbgosia@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [DR-L] RE: Plastic binding for bassoon reeds
Date: Tue, 06 Mar 2007 12:50:22 -0500

Harry,
I use hot glue for similar reasons. It is also non-toxic, binds to the
cane, seals any gaps, and remains stable. For me it is less trouble than
mixing plastic and solvent, and it dries/sets very quickly. Ugly!!
Nice playing on the recent Morelli/Searing CD. A new standard!
Herb

On 3/5/07 8:50 PM, "Harry Searing" <hsearing@-----.net> wrote:

> I=B9ve been using the melted toothbrush handles in acetone for many years.
> I love it. Here are some pointers:
>=20
> 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=B9s good.
>=20
> 2.) I cut the toothbrush handles into small pieces so that they melt
> faster.
>=20
> 3.) Do not get too much on the tube of the reed so that in inhibits
> vibration.=20
>=20
> 4.) I also try to keep it from touching the second wire. If it stops a
> little before, that=B9s fine.
>=20
> 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=B9s 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.
>=20
> 6.) Before coating a blank, I make a plug out of rolled up masking tape,
> so that none of the stuff goes inside.
>=20
> 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.
>=20
> 8.) I find the cheap, clear plastic CVS toothbrushes to be perfect. Some
> others don=B9t 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.
>=20
> 9.) An empty jar of PACE salsa is the perfect size. It has a wide mouth
> and it=B9s too big around that you have to make a large amount of the
> mixture. Keep the lid on tight so that it doesn=B9t dry out and harden. If
> the does, just add more acetone until the stuff melts.
>=20
> Here are what I see as the advantages over other methods:
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> 1.) Makes for an excellent, airtight seal.
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> 2.) Can close up gaps caused by faulty beveling.
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> 3.) Keeps the tip opening stable.
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> 4.) I think my reeds last longer using this method because there=B9s less
> expanding and shrinkage (=B3tell her about shrinkage!=B2). I feel that=B9s
> what wears out most reeds. The tube=B9s structural integrity deteriorates.
>=20
> 5.) I think my reeds vibrate better. They feel more solid.
>=20
> Any one has any questions, I=B9d be happy to respond, either to this group
> or privately.
>=20
> Harry Searing
> Bassoon, Contrabassoon, Heckelphone
> Faculty: Montclair State University (NY), CUNY (NY)
>=20
>=20

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