Klarinet Archive - Posting 000406.txt from 1996/02

From: Richard Spittel <ContraReed@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Reeds
Date: Wed, 14 Feb 1996 17:50:51 -0500

In a message dated 96-02-12 12:50:04 EST, you write:

> I was wondering if anyone out there had any suggestions of what I
>could do about my reeds. I just recently moved to Seattle from Salt Lake
>City and I am having the hardest time with reeds lately. Do you have any
>suggestions of how I could break them in so that they would play easier?

There are several things you have to be aware of with your recent change of
residence. Relative humidity can affect reeds. You were used to a dry
climate, and now you're in the place where people don't tan, they rust. You
have to make sure you either give your reeds a good chance to dry out after
you've played, or invest in one of the little gadgets with maintains a
constant level of humidity for your reeds.

The second thing to take into account is the difference in altitude. Higher
altitudes necessitate softer reeds because of the lower air pressure. You
might want to try a stiffer reed in Seattle.

Hope this help.

Richard Spittel Baltimore,MD