Klarinet Archive - Posting 000718.txt from 1998/01

From: "Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: reeds
Date: Thu, 15 Jan 1998 09:27:15 -0500

On Thu, 15 Jan 1998, Amanda wrote:

> I find that the paper is way too rough...and expensive. Why pay for
> special paper when I have tons of rush growing in my backyard for free.
> As far as paper, I find that it leaves the reed feeling rough and
> basically nasty! It is also harder to screw up when you use rush. My
> teachers have all used it, and so shall I

I admire your determination to follow the example of your teachers. Just
in case anyone else would want to try waterproof sandpaper, or silicone
carbide paper, it comes in various degrees of abrasiveness. You can get
#220, #400, #600, #800. #1000, etc. - the lower the number, the greater
the degree of abrasiveness. #600 works for most reed applications. By
the time you get to #1000, the paper feels about the same on both sides.
As far as expense is concerned, for less than $2.00 you can get a sheet
approximately one foot square. I cut it into pieces about one and
one-half inches or two inches square, and that amount will last a very
long time.

Ed Lacy
el2@-----.edu