Klarinet Archive - Posting 000314.txt from 2000/06
From: LeliaLoban@-----.com Subj: [kl] Mold again Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2000 16:44:19 -0400
Ed Maurey wrote,
>When I wrote about my positive experiences with moldy reeds I was dead
>serious concerning the effect of CONTROLLED mold. I wasn't refering to
>some crap that slobs develop thru negligence. I always grew molds on
>new, unused reeds. I then completely cleaned them before using. After
>use I always dried and stored them properly in a reed holder. The reeds
>ideally had a mottled appearance in use. To repeat myself: I observed
>improved playing qualities and longevity in these reeds. Obviously,
>anyone is free to attempt to duplicate this procedure as a controlled
>experiment.
>I have read that the best cane has been weathered and often has a few
>worm holes.
Interesting, because my grade school band director, whose primary instrument
was clarinet, insisted that the best cane has "speckled" bark. I only got to
buy my reeds (with my mother's money) two at a time as a kid, so I would root
around in the store's open box of the cheapest Ricos and try to find some
with splotchy-looking bark. The band teacher said that the weather during
the growing season produces the speckles. I read the same thing in some book
about the clarinet, too -- can't remember where.
I can't cite any scientific evidence, and it may be that I just believe the
way I do because the charismatic grade school teacher still lives in the back
of my brain somewhere. However, a high percentage of the reeds in my
favorite brand, Mitchell Lurie Premium are speckled. They don't have the
reputation of lasting a long time (the opposite), but they're high-quality,
consistent reeds that play better for me than any others I've tried. Is it
possible that this speckled cane molded in the field due to wet growing
conditions? Maybe I've been playing (formerly) moldy reeds without realizing
it!
Lelia
~~~~~~~~~~
Young's Handy Guide to the Modern Sciences:
- If it is green or it wiggles -- it is Biology.
- If it stinks -- it is Chemistry.
~~~~~~~~~~
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