Klarinet Archive - Posting 000112.txt from 1995/12

From: Richard Sprecker <RS7641@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: changing reed conditions
Date: Wed, 6 Dec 1995 09:50:13 -0500

I imagine this has been replied to several times, but I'm going to reply to
it anyway. I also notice the change of reeds while playing, quite
frequently with a new box. My private instructor has given me many ways to
solve this problem.

First off, when the new box is opened, for the first 2 weeks, I don't play
on them, I just soak them for a couple minutes. After soaking, I gently
squeeze the reed, removing moisture. Then I use the back of sandpaper,
starting at the back of the reed and pushing forward, like I was sanding
it. Always, back to tip. This makes the reed very smooth across the top.

After 2 weeks, I'll actually play on the reed, but only for about 5
minutes. When I find a problem area, I'll take it down with my reed knife,
if it needs it. But, each time when I'm through playing on the reed, I
squeeze the water and rub it with the paper. After a week or so of this,
the reed settles, and doesn't change very much while playing. Then you can
make subtle changes if you need to. The reed will settle out and, usually,
becomes a really good reed.