Klarinet Archive - Posting 000408.txt from 1995/02

From: Myron Bennett <mbennett@-----.EDU>
Subj: Reed folklore, or science?
Date: Thu, 23 Feb 1995 19:38:22 -0500

As I lurk on various lists and Usenet groups, I sometimes come across
items on one that might be of interest to another. Since Klarinet has
historically shown an interest in the science and folklore of the quest
for better reeds and longer reed life, I thought of you all when I came
across the following on alt.music.makers.woodwind. I do not vouch for
it in any way, but I might try it on a reed or two.

From: "/B{>" <n2la@-----.ca>
Newsgroups: alt.music.makers.woodwind
(....main body of message deleted.....)

Also, if you want to lengthen the life of your Royals, try this:
when you first get the reed, soak it until the tip no longer warps
(though not until waterlogged), or carefully smooth the tip in a reed
case (eg. LaVoz reedguard, Vandoren case) or flat on a piece of glass,
like a mirror. Now, blow through the back end of the reed. See those air
bubbles? You want the reed to be sealed, ie no air passing through it.
Using the natural oil of your skin, run your thumb along the back of the
reed (on the section where the bark is cut away, right out to the tip).
By working the oil of your skin into the reed, you seal the reed. You
should be able to blow into the back end of the reed without any air bubbles
coming out of the section you've sealed. Believe it or not, this lengthens
reed life by preventing a lot of the warping that can occur as the reed
gets wetter during a gig, and can prevent the reed form getting over-soaked
or waterlogged, as you will note that once this happens, the reed never
plays the same again.
Good luck in your quest for a better reed,

Greg Marks
/B{>
End of quote.
Myron Bennett

   
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