Klarinet Archive - Posting 000331.txt from 1995/12

From: "Scott D. Morrow" <SDM@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: bleach/reeds
Date: Wed, 13 Dec 1995 10:59:10 -0500

>Hmm, that's interesting. Just based on common sense, I would think that
>the reed would be an ideal environment for carrying bacteria. It's organic,
>biodegradable material - and is a "warm/moist zone" after being used,
>which bacteria just love. I've seen too many students' reeds caked with
>white bacterial gunk (after failing to remove it from the mouthpiece for a
>few weeks) to believe that a reed does not potentially carry disease.
>
>Neil.
>
>On Tue, 12 Dec 1995, Michael D Moors - Alpena wrote:
>
>> Scott,
>>
>> I remember being told several years ago that reeds don't carry disease.
>> It is the mouthpiece that needs to be disinfected. Does anyone know if
>> this is fact or fiction? It was a pretty well known professional player
>> (whose name I shouldn't mention) that told me this.
>>
>> Mike
>>

Actually, now that you mention it, I recall someone telling me NOT
that the reed DOESN'T harbour bacteria, but that the bacteria doesn't
survive after the reed dries out (after about three days).
I personally still prefer to play it safe!
-Scott

Scott D. Morrow
(410)-955-3631

SDM@-----.edu