Klarinet Archive - Posting 000852.txt from 1997/07

From: Fred Jacobowitz <fredj@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: old news
Date: Sun, 27 Jul 1997 13:33:54 -0400

Tara,
What reeds are you referring to tha woarp so badly? In my
experience, the only reeds that consistently warped were Olivieri's - and
even then, not every box. As for reeds being green, yeah, I have
definitely noticed that. Luckily for us older folx, we have time on our
side. I now play on Vandorens which are at least 5 years old. I have found
that Vandorens should be allowed to just sit curing for at least 6 months
(more if you can). This:
1) Makes them more consistent in strength,
2) Makes them less changeable when new
3) Virtually eliminates the problem of the reed which feels great the
first day and then dies (because it is green and can't deal with the
moisture)
4) Gives me at least twice the number of usable and concert-quality reeds
per box.
I've noticed this same phenomenon with other reeds such as Rico Royals.
Now a question for reed makers: WHY????????!!!!!!!!!!! Isn't it
possible with all our amazing technology to make sure the wood is properly
cured?

Fred Jacobowitz
Clarinet/Sax Instructor, Peabody Preparatory

On Sat, 26 Jul 1997, T.R. Baun wrote:

> I know that this question has been asked since the beginning of time,
> BUT...Since I do not have the time or the money to invest in making my
> own reeds, I must purchase manufactured ones. I have been told that in
> the reed-making process, most manufacturers do not cure their cane.
> Therefore, if this is true, it is necessary to cure one's purchased
> reeds. If this is so, why did my entire box of reeds warp so badly that
> had I sanded them in order to level them out, they would have had a
> thickness of "0?" Perhaps it is my process that is incorrect. Please
> tell me of your curing experiences!
>
> -Tara Baun
>