Klarinet Archive - Posting 000948.txt from 1997/08

From: "Leo van Zantvoort" <leovz@-----.nl>
Subj: Re: reeds
Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 12:04:36 -0400

On Thu, 21 Aug 1997 19:46:39 -0500, Corey Hume wrote:

>This may be a really DUMB question, but please bare with me.

There are no dumb questions.... only dumb answers!

>It seems like my reeds have not been lasting very long before they get "yucky."

How long do your reeds last?

>I use Vandoren 3- 3 1/2. Could this be attributed to the amount of
>humidity (I live in Charleston, can we say 100% humidity!) or is it me?

I think it hase! The condition of the air is a major factor of reed quality! A high humidity gifs a bit softer
reeds, a low humidity dendence to harden the reed...

>How long should my reeds be lasting?

My experience is that Vandoorn reeds do their job for about three to four weeks, handmade reeds last a
week or two longer...

>How can I prolong their
>usefulness?

1. Gif them a good start! Do not play a reed right from the packet for mor than 10 minutes (until the tone get
harsh). This is verry important! Than gif them a day rest. After a tree or four days the play time will extend
to half an hour (the bad) to one hour (the good) one and a have hour (the ugly :-) Yes... I have two to four
reeds to get me trouht the day...

2. When you not playing a reed, keep them on a flat surface. (glass-sheet, Vandoorn houlder, reedgard,
enz.)

3. Don't dry them in the sun!

Succes!

Leo.