Klarinet Archive - Posting 000663.txt from 1997/07

From: Jrykorten@-----.com
Subj: Re: Reed refrigeration
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 1997 22:19:21 -0400

In a message dated 97-07-18 18:23:18 EDT, Ed Lacy writes:

<<
"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."
>>

And

<<
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.
>>

Very interesting Ed!

I had no idea that there was such a vigorous population of bacteria was at
work in the cane! Also this may explain what the enzymes are doing as Diane
Karius indicated that there was nothing in the wood that our enzymes can
digest. Can Diane try culturing a reed?

Would using an antibacterial agent then also prolong the life of the reed?
There must be something that is "mouth friendly" like barbasol to combs but
for reeds instead.

Perhaps this is why we are trained to brush our teeth before playing each
time.

My reeds "go soft" on me after time. How does this fit in with the statement
that the bacteria make the cane appear harder?

Jerry Korten
NYC