Klarinet Archive - Posting 000379.txt from 1995/12

From: SDM@-----.WELCH
Subj: Re: bleach/reeds (fwd)
Date: Thu, 14 Dec 1995 16:37:06 -0500

Forwarded message:
>
> >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