Klarinet Archive - Posting 000306.txt from 2002/03

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Synthetic reeds
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 17:13:55 -0500

At 01:22 PM 3/15/2002 -0500, Nancy E. Buckman wrote:
>I have used the Legere reeds for a long time (2+ yrs.) and have recently had
>to return to cane because I have developed an irritated place along the
>vermilion border of my lower lip where the reed rests. I have the same
>problem with the nose pieces on my glasses. I solved the problem on my
>glasses with a thin coat of nail polish, however that won't work on the
>synthetic reeds, as it interferes to much with the vibration of the reed.
>When I switched back to the cane reeds, I spent the same amount of time
>readjusting to them as I did when I made the switch to plastic. I can't
>wait for this place on my lip to heal enough so that I can go back to the
>Legeres for a while. They are so much more consistent. I don't have to
>carry the reed tools and the many cases of reeds. I do a lot of doubling
>and they save me from having to constantly wet the reeds on all my
>instruments. It's nice not having to lug the extra gear.

I have heard of several people who have allergic reactions to cane reeds,
and for them, synthetic reeds are a godsend. It is most unusual to have
such a reaction to plastic, though! I keep a Legere on the clarinet I keep
in my alto sax treypak case for big band doubling purposes. It is most
beneficial for that last-set lead part on "Moonlight Serenade!"

Bill Hausmann bhausmann1@-----.net
451 Old Orchard Drive
Essexville, MI 48732 ICQ UIN 4862265

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!

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