Klarinet Archive - Posting 000584.txt from 1996/02

From: Jacqueline G Eastwood <eastwooj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: conditioning reeds by soaking
Date: Mon, 19 Feb 1996 12:22:57 -0500

Hi, Bill,

I seldom have problems with reed tips warping because I have a reed case
with a piece of plate glass in it. That's where they live when they're
not in the water (and I only soak for a few minutes). Also, keep in mind
that I live in Arizona -- I cannot understand how people play on their
reeds when they just suck on them for a couple seconds (besides which
using water is somewhat cleaner). It's very dry here year-round and I
much prefer to have a fully-moistened reed, not one with a dry back side
which in this climate can cause squeaks and lousy response in general.

Reeds will be wet when they are in your mouth while you are playing -- to
me it makes sense to get them that way before you start playing on them
to break them in or work on them. Straight out of the box condition is
seldom a true test of how well a reed or brand of reed will work.On Thu, 15
Feb 1996, Bill Fogle wrote:

> Jacqueline---
>
> I've seen this "soak 'em first" wisdom posted here a couple of times.
> I've always wanted to ask: don't you find the reeds warp and the tips go
> wacky when you put them through this wet-to-dry-to-wet cycle? My latest
> vision for reed longevity is the idea of "minimizing" extreme humidity
> swings. I've actually had some exciting success lately by controlling
> humidity with damp paper towels in my reed holder and stuff (no I don't
> sell reed holders! Promise!).
>
> I'd be interested in hearing your experiences.
>
> ******************************
> Bill Fogle
> Washington, DC
> bfogle@-----.edu
> ******************************
> I usually soak & dry them
> for a couple of days WITHOUT playing on them before I will even try them
> out. Seems to work better.
>
> Jacqueline Eastwood
> University of Arizona/Arizona Opera Orchestra
> eastwooj@-----.edu
>

   
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