Klarinet Archive - Posting 000557.txt from 1997/07

From: "Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Reed refrigeration
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 1997 19:01:26 -0400

On Thu, 17 Jul 1997 Jrykorten@-----.com wrote:

> I think the theory is garbage (refrigerating reeds that is). The
> degradation of a reed according to everything I understand is
> mechanical, not biological. Refrigeration might help if say bacteria
> were responsible for the degradation.
>
> But our problem is mechanical vibration (probably disrupting the molecular
> bonds of the wood fiber, and uneven swelling of fibers) and the accumulation
> of proteins and minerals from our mouths in the reed fibers. I do not
> understand how refrigeration would help this situation.

Many oboists and bassoonists refrigerate their cane and/or reeds. (I have
not done this, but intend to experiment with it.) I posted an inquiry to
the doublereed list, and hope that the replies will be sufficient to
indicate that the theory need not be dismissed as "garbage." Here are
excerpts from some of the replies:

>From Dr. John Bentley at Bowling Green State University:

"I have a student that is an Orthopedic Surgeon who has suggested to me
that he feels that refrigerating reeds that he is playing on at the time
increases their usable life by slowing down the enzyme action that takes
place from having saliva act on the celulose in the cane."

>From Dr. Ronald Klimko at the University of Idaho:

"I got the idea from an article by Manny Ziegler in the Double Reed many
years ago. he maintained that reeds he stuck in his little "bar
refrigerator" (I have one also in my school office) up to 30 years old
still played like they did when he put them there. I generally agree-tho.
I haven't been at it that long!

When I finish practice or come home or to my office from a gig the first
act is to stick them into the fridge. Generally the next time I play on
them they are not only unchanged (no loose wires,etc) but I often don't
even have to soak them!"

(P.S.: Manuel Ziegler was principal or co-principal bassoonist with the
New York Philharmonic for many years. E. L.)

>From Ronn Boyd at Washburn University, Kansas:

"If my memory serves me right there was a clarinetist at the IDRS
Convention in Baltimore back about 5 years who had done a study on cane
storage and his results showed that there was streptococcal (sp) bacteria
that lived in the cells of the cane (at that time they hadn't determined
whether it originated from the soil or the player), but they found that
the only way to slow its growth was to refrigerate it. As the bacteria
multiplied in the cells it filled them up and made the cane harder. If
anyone has a program from that convention, they could check this out and
see if this person has completed the study. I've used this method ever
since this convention and it has prolonged the life of reeds. Just be
careful if you're seeking a late night snack and the refrigerator light is
out!" ;-)

>From Christopher Weiatt at Ohio State University:

"The DMA document by Donald J. Casadonte (Ohio State University, 1995(?))
deals, in part, with the deterioration of clarinet cane. He studied the
microfloral growth in used reeds. The study may be useful for related
information.

BTW, Casadonte is the person, mentioned by Ronn Boyd in another msg., who
gave the presentation at the Towson IDRS meeting."

Ed Lacy
*****************************************************************
Dr. Edwin Lacy University of Evansville
Professor of Music 1800 Lincoln Avenue
Evansville, IN 47722
el2@-----.edu (812)479-2754
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