Klarinet Archive - Posting 000498.txt from 1997/07

From: Cdkerwin@-----.com
Subj: Re: Price of Zonda reeds and reed cases
Date: Wed, 16 Jul 1997 13:57:12 -0400

This last year at school ( i go to Augustana College in Rock Island IL) some
of the oboe players came up with an idea for reed cases. They put sponges in
a tupperware container and then put glass on top of this to lay their reeds
on. They used something to hold the reeds in place but that doesn't work
with clarinet reeds. Some of the clarinet players, me included, used rubber
bands to hold the reeds in place. We soaked the sponges and put salt in
nylon stockings underneath the sponges. That keeps nasty stuff from growing
on the reeds. That way it keeps a constant humidity level and you don't have
to worry about the reeds warping. This is especially beneficial in winter
when (at least in the Midwest) the heat is on and the humidity drops inside
of the buildings. You have to play around with how much salt to use and how
much to soak the sponges so you can get the right balance. This was based on
the fact that reeds should be kept in about 60% humidity (i believe). The
tupperware container looks kind of funny to carry around but I've used this
for about four monthes and it works really well. I've had no problem with
reed warping and my reeds generally sound really good. By the way I use
Zonda also.

Charlie Kerwin
cdkerwin@-----.edu
"Never, never, never give up!"
-Winston Churchill
In a message dated 97-07-15 19:19:52 EDT, you write:

<< I have a Harrison reed case, and it is a real pain. I have problems with
it closing correctly and my reeds get knocked around and chipped. I does
however look very nice. The thing that I have found that works well is to
have several of the cases you mentioned and keep them, along with new
boxes of reeds in a tuperware container. this allows you to keep
alternating your reeds, not to mention they don't get chipped this way.

On Mon, 14 Jul 1997 dsalveso@-----.net wrote:

> Hi everyone, I have two questions.
>
> How much are you guys (and gals) paying for Zonda reeds? From Discount
> Reed Co. I pay $8.95 a box, is there anywhere I could get them cheaper or
> is that about as good as it gets?
>
> My second question is this: I've been using the same little La Voz
> plastic 2 reed reed case since sixth grade, it's a pain. I'm look for
> suggestions for a nice reed case, I'd like it to be able to hold 6-8
> reeds.
>
> Has anyone heard of Harrison Reed Cases? Here's what I know about them:
>
> "These beautifully handcrafted reed cases are made of high quality
> hardwoods. The fully lined case protects your reeds, while at the same
> time allows air to circulate and dry the reeds. You reeds rest on glass
> to help reduce warpage."
>
> This one costs $54.80 from Discount Reed Co.
>
> Adios and thanks for your help,
>
> Peter Salveson
> dsalveso@-----.net
>
>>