Klarinet Archive - Posting 000177.txt from 1996/09

From: David Blumberg <reedman@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: burning reeds (not a joke)
Date: Sat, 14 Sep 1996 23:35:37 -0400

Stan,
Yes, I'm sure that method works fine, but does someone have to sell it for
more than 25 cents?? I saw an ad for that method of reed burning, using
something much more elaborate than a quarter. That was my whole point.( I
didn't mean to burn anyone) .The Cordier reed trimmers have been around so
long, that A. Gigloitti has (and uses) one handed down to him by his father
that he used for quite a while.- now that's an old timer.
David C. Blumberg
reedman@-----.com

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From: Klarinet - Clarinettist's Network on behalf of Stan Geidel
Sent: Saturday, September 14, 1996 5:31 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list KLARINET
Subject: burning reeds (not a joke)

Friends,

I've seen one or two posts of late that refer to burning the tips of reeds
as a substitute for a reed trimmer. This concept, although it appears
humorous at first glance, is actually based on something all (us) old-timers
know of and have practiced in the past.

(Geez...have I already arrived at the status of "old-timer?")

Anyway, back in "the old days" (ahem) clarinetists took a quarter and placed
their "too-soft" reed over the body f the quarter, allowing the reed tip to
protrude just slightly past the quarter's rim. Next, a match was lit, and
the protruding tip of the reed was burned off, holding the match below the
quarter. (The shape of the quarter matches quite closely with the shape of
many mouthpiece tips.) That was how reeds were trimmed. This method of
trimming reeds was taught to me by Leon Russianoff. As bizarre as it
sounds, it works. Yes, a slightly blackened area remains near the tip. No,
it does not affect the sound. (Unless, of course, you imagine in your mind
that the sound *must* be affected, in which case YOU and YOU ALONE will hear
a deterioration in the sound quality--everyone else will think the reed
sounds fine.) Do I still use this method to trim my soft reeds? No, but
then again I rarely trim my reeds for any reason...one of the many benefits
of being an old-timer is that after all these years I've finally figured out
a reliable method for adjusting reeds. I bet all you youngsters are dying
to know...what's the secret??!! Well, okay, here it is...practice adjusting
reeds for many years, and by the time you are an "old-timer" you will have
the trained eye and light touch required to successfully adjust your reeds.
Now, it's time for my nap...

Cordially,

Stan Geidel
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