Klarinet Archive - Posting 000510.txt from 2002/10

From: Gary Truesdail <gir@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Whacky reed problem
Date: Sun, 20 Oct 2002 13:30:22 -0400

I used to have this problem when making reeds from local cane
(Sacramento, California). The cane had too much 'pith' or soft wood
between the long grains. The reeds, after 20 minutes or so would become
unresponsive, mushy, lose its tone and close up easily. I was told it
was because the cane, which grew along the Sacramento and San Joaquin
Rivers grew at drastically uneven rates during different seasons of the
year. It would not retain its strength. Oboists have used the cane
with more effect but it still is not good in the long run. It sounds
like Gonzales may have gotten hold of some bad cane.

Locally, commercial production of arundo donax was in the early
development stages here just before WW2. When the war broke out someone
thought it was necessary to destroy all they had developed so far and
wait until after the war to start over. Well, cane spreads easily and
the strays can now be found in many areas along the rivers and deltas.

GaryT

"Bruce E. McGarvey" wrote:
>

>
> I have an adult student at the intermediate level who manages somehow to
> alter reeds after playing them for a while so that they "close up" with very
> little pressure, as if they're being warped towards the mouthpiece opening.

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