Klarinet Archive - Posting 000297.txt from 1997/09

From: agrenci@-----.net (Andrew Grenci)
Subj: reeds and climate
Date: Sun, 7 Sep 1997 01:18:59 -0400

Jeremy writes:

>Ok,
>
>So I have moved from North Carolina to Pennsylvania. Needless to say, my
>reeds are in not the best playing condition. Could someone explain to me
>the principle concerning the humidity and whatever else climate has to do
>with reed playability, and what inexpensive methods I can use to return
>and keep my reeds where I like them the most--in a state of perfection.
>(ok, I'll settle for just a few that sound near perfect!)
>
>Thanks,
>
>Jeremy

There are two ways in which climate/weather/altitude will effect reed
performance. The first is barometric pressure, the second is humidity. Of
the two, in my opinion, air pressure has the greatest effect. If you have
moved to a higher altitude, you will probably need to play a somewhat
softer reed. If you moved to a lower altitude, do the opposite. Of course,
air pressure changes daily with the weather, as well.

For humidity, the solutions are more illusive. Most people will play an
older, perhaps thinner reed when the humidity is higher. In the winters of
New England (dry air!) I find that I need to use more new reeds than in the
summer. The problem with humidity in the so-called temperate climate is
that it will vary drastically from day to day, so it is necessary to have a
variety of reeds to chose from on any given day. Some players will try to
maintain a constant humidity by storing reeds in an airtight case. I have
not had much success with this, while many people do. Instead I make sure I
give a reed more of a soaking on dry days than on humid days. And I play
the reed that works that day. I'll worry about the next day's reed
tomorrow.

Enjoy PA. I was born and raised there.

AG

Andrew Grenci
New London, CT
agrenci@-----.net