Klarinet Archive - Posting 000102.txt from 1994/04

From: Jay Winick <winickj@-----.CA>
Subj: Reeds (what else!)
Date: Wed, 13 Apr 1994 17:24:53 -0400

I was talking to someone who is in the reed making business, and who also
buys some equipment from Vandoren. While speaking we discussed the quality
drop in Vandoren V-12 reeds. This is where it gets good!

In an effort to shorten the amount of time it takes to cure cane Vandoren
has been using chemical processes, in conjunction with a greatly shortened
curing time. This has lead to a higher percentage of green reeds. These
reeds can still be cured however it will take approximately 5 years in the
sealed boxes.

Additionally, in an effort to increase the amount of reeds that can be
made from a piece of cane Vandoren has taken to flooding the cane fields.
This increases the size of the plants. The downside to this is that the
quality of the can is MUCH lower (lacking consistent xylems).

For me this is very interesting. 1) I am tired of forking out $15.00 box
U.S. to get possibly 3 playable reeds 2) The overall quality has been
dropping, I've even received entirely green boxes.

Maybe it is time for a change?

I will be trying different reeds over the next several months and giving a
review (my opinions of course!).

Review Factors:

* quality per box
* overall sound
* ease of correction (under the knife/paper)
* consistency
* cost
* longevity

If you can think of any other points, let me know.

Jay

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