Klarinet Archive - Posting 000468.txt from 1995/04

From: Jon Delorey <Jon_Delorey@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: H+/OH- Concentration in
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 1995 17:04:59 -0400

Can I use my swimming pool test kit? :^)

Actually there is another possibility for the deterioration of the wood. That
is the bacteria in the saliva. There is an article in Science News several
years back, which is actually about reeds, that states the strepto-coccus
(sp.?) bacteria get into the wood and and cause the breakdown of the reed.
Could this be why peroxide works to preserve the reed? The article suggested
freezing the reeds to stop the growth of bacteria. I don't remember much more
so I'll have to look up the article (I'll be out of town for a few days so I'll
look up the article on Monday). It should also be pointed out that hardwoods
are porous and could easily trap the bacteria, unless of course oiling the
instrument prevents this.