Klarinet Archive - Posting 000019.txt from 2001/11

From: "Tony Wakefield" <tony-wakefield@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Leaving the reed on.
Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2001 13:29:53 -0500

Tony Pay has brought to our attention the oboists` idea of dipping the reed
(clarinet reed) into a little water as opposed to wetting it with our own
saliva. He also lets us know that one or two American(?) clarinetittists
have been known to leave the reed on the mouthpiece for the life duration(?)
of the reed.

I have noticed positive and immediate response using this method, but would
ask this: if the reed is left on, it must surely create some kind of dilemma
in how to blow in brand new reeds for playing on the mouthpiece already in
use. Unless one has an identical mouthpiece, and even with this way, then
leaving the reed on, can surely only cause a <faster> degeneration of the
reed, due to digested food particles building up on the inside surface of
reed, and will also surely shorten the useful life of the M/P as deposits
build up, and harden, without cleaning. I have mentioned before that taking
the reed off (to clean) and replacing it correctly and accurately to within
a couple of thousandths of an inch should not interfere at all in the
continuing good performance of the reed, (experienced players will be able
to do this to within 1000th of an inch). Indeed it should, with positive
results enhance the life and performance of the reed, as it is being cared
for, as opposed to neglected if left on.

There are of course the obvious health hazards too, if one leaves the reed
on all the time.

I`d be interested to hear further views.

Best,

Tony W.

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