Klarinet Archive - Posting 000964.txt from 1998/08

From: ROBERT ABRAHAM <rkabear@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] microwaving reeds? reed pampering
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1998 19:30:06 -0400

I have used a method I heard about a few years back at a master class (can't remember who). Efferdent or Polydent denture cleansers will make the reed's fibers go back together. Put 3 or 4 reeds that play too soft, or have lost their sound color, in a bowl and drop a tablet in. Let soak for about an hour or at least until the water have gone back to clear/non-blue-green. Take the reeds out.. Rub the reed front and back in an upward direction toward the tip, and then rinse. After rinsing a minute or two with each individual reed, rub toward the tip again on front and back. Let dry on flat glass overnight.

I have got a few reeds that I have been able to recycle for more than 10 years (rotating, of course). The Efferdent/Polydent also cleans the reeds of buildup and keeps reeds from growing things (mold, etc... from being wet too often). These reeds play more responsively and longer between drying out than newer reeds. Sometimes I can even get a bad new reed that seems lifeless and colorless to become vibrant and warm through this method.

BTW...I was sleepy when I posted about the Greenlines and the Prestige RC Clarinet. I was hoping to find a Prestige RC in GREENLINE, which is not on Buffet's website. The conical bottom joint (instead of polycylindrical) and the egg shaped inside of the bell, not to mention the aux Ab/Eb key on these recycled wood horns would be great. Maybe someday all of the new Buffet owners will not have to worry about cracking again.

Kelly Abraham
Woodwinds/Computer Geek
New York City
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Regarding reed preparation, some sax players swear by microwaving their reeds. These people believe they can get new life out of an old reed this way, and some of them also nuke new reeds as part of breaking them in. The theory is that nuking the reed seals it. The method is to soak the reed thoroughly in water for a couple of hours, then put it in the microwave oven and nuke it on medium for 5 to 10 seconds. Reeds turn black and start to smoke rather quickly, so because of the variations between ovens, it's a good idea to experiment with throw-away reeds first (although a couple of guys on the Classic Sax site claim that the "blackened toast" reeds play well and last just about forever)! I haven't tried this trick yet. Has anyone on the list tried it? (Better you than me...?)

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