Klarinet Archive - Posting 000486.txt from 1997/07

From: Michael Kolos <clarinet@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Price of Zonda reeds and reed cases
Date: Tue, 15 Jul 1997 20:11:27 -0400

there was a rather lengthy discussion of this on the list a while ago (a
year or two?) where there were many mixed views. You might want to
check it up in the archives. The discussion focused on exactly what was
asked: flat glass vs. other types of reed cases.

Personally, after checking with the list at the time, and many other
opinions, I now have a glass-base case (Selmer) a Vandoren blue box, and
I find I usually just keep the reeds in their original plastics
now-a-days. Maybe it's laziness. But one thing I don't think anyone
has mentionned: a problem with some of the glass reed cases is that the
reeds are held in place only by the lid, so when the lid is open, you
can tip the case and knock all your reeds to the ground. They make
damaging the reed easier, it seems.

Michael

howard klug wrote:
>
> 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