Klarinet Archive - Posting 000471.txt from 1997/07

From: howard klug <hklug@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Price of Zonda reeds and reed cases
Date: Tue, 15 Jul 1997 17:07:00 -0400

RE: warped reeds.

I believe that clarinet players have generally been "fed a line" over the
years by well-meaning teachers and accessory manufacturers who said that
a flat glass was helpful to keep the reed bottoms flat. In fact, by
allowing the air to only reach the vamp portion of the damp reed, you
pretty much guarantee that this relatively thin piece of wood...when
allowed to dry at different rates on its two sides...will warp.

The old Buffet plastic reed holders which held 4 reeds in a clear plastic
box in slots for the side rails of the reeds allowed the air to
completely circulate around the reed...so, no warped reeds. Short of
that, always place your damp reeds bottom up on a table/glass until they
dry completely before putting them away in a reed holder. If you should
get busy practicing, answering the phone, etc., the reeds will dry
nicely, and evenly, on both sides. I never have to do any corrective,
bottom-flattening procedures on any reeds so treated.

I hope that's helpful.

HK