Klarinet Archive - Posting 001286.txt from 1997/08

From: "Diane Karius, Ph.D." <dikarius@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: No Prerequisites for Listmembers! (was Selmer models)
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 20:48:29 -0400

> >-Scott (who also "only" owns one clarinet: the Playskool "My First
> >Clarinet", made of durable, brightly-colored plastic, with the original
> >patented "perma-reed"!)
> >
> I wonder what those are going for now on the vintage market?
>
Surprisingly, well-worn "perma-reeds" are highly prized by various
pharmaceutical companies. Top dollar goes for those reeds
used for years by (initially) fourth- and fifth-graders, particularly
if they have both visual (bright colors) and tactile (furry,
slimy...) appeal . It is hoped that these reeds will reduce our
dependance on rare plant species existing in endangered rain forests,
which have provided medical science with chemicals of tremendous
medicinal value...