Klarinet Archive - Posting 000715.txt from 2000/04

From: Don Longacre <nw2v@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Re: Other Half
Date: Mon, 17 Apr 2000 12:14:35 -0400

I would like to comment on the matter of reed trimmers vs sand paper etc. It is my
belief (wrong or right) that "crushing of fibers" minutae is totally irrelevant.
If one could walk around on a reed surface microscopically, it might seem like
Sequoia National Park. There would be cellular debris everywhere. After all,
we are talking about an organic product formed by a metabolic process, guided
by DNA cell replication and a host of less-than-perfect factors. It is not an
atomic lattice of perfectly defined crystaline geometry. I think some teachers
delight in promulgating what I consider to be baseless theories because they
assess their student as being gullible enough to swallow it thus lending to an
aura of expertise on the instrument. If a teacher admonishes a student to not
use reed trimmers because "it crushes the fibers" and the student came back with,
"How do you know?" The teacher may be hard pressed to support the notion.

Think about the manufacture of wood clarinets. They are subject to lathe work,
drilling, sanding, reaming, staining, on and on. No one seems concerned about
"crushed fibers" being detrimental to its playability.

I have probably incited some grinding of teeth and thoughts of "Who the hell does
this guy think he is?" and I certainly hope so. Be sceptical Its your God-given
sovereign right to doubt. It is the mark of a civilized mind.

Don Longacre
Je doute donc Je suis

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