Klarinet Archive - Posting 000206.txt from 2003/05

From: "Bill Semple" <wsemple@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Mildew on reed/drinking peroxide
Date: Fri, 9 May 2003 11:31:35 -0400

Well, you have found the holy grail, methinks, while the rest of us continue
to seek reeds that play the way we want them to. In my recent recital, I
would not consider performing with a Legere, as for me at least, I cannot
get that reed to produce the subtly of color and expression I want in my
sound.

I have never been able to play every reed in a box. With the V-12's, I can
get about six or so; but maybe two or three really hit the jackpot.

I also found that fixing reeds made some improvements, but sometimes at the
cost of stability or longevity. I have found that after sanding a warped
reed, working the rails, and only rarely dealing with the tip, I can turn a
mediocre reed into a good one. But I have never been able to turn a good
reed into a great one. Somehow, these just seem to pop out of the box.

On the other hand, I took my traveling instrument to a wedding in Denver,
and wailed away on a Legere for most of the evening.

William T. Semple
Office: 202-364-2466
Home: 540-364-4823
Cell: 540-903-6645
----- Original Message -----
From: "Buckman, Nancy" <nebuckman@-----.edu>
Subject: RE: [kl] Mildew on reed/drinking peroxide

>>>>>I can't understand why humidified reed cases
are used when dry storage of (cleaned) reeds seems to result in superior
reed life (my experience) without annoying and damaging mold and mildew.
So, WHY????

Gene,

Some people just like to fuss with things. I have never figured it out
either. I can't understand why there is so much fuss with reeds in the
first place. I have always been able to pull one out of the box and with a
few strokes of reed Dry reed rush, even the thickness at the sides and tip
and make them play. I almost always can use all the reeds in the box. and
they will sometimes last for months. I have friends who can't figure out how
to do this for love nor money. I have pretty much made the switch to
Legeres all the time now. the only place I don't like them is when I am
playing in close quarters. They somehow seem harsh and I will switch to
cane. I'm not fussy about cleanliness either. I'm not a slob, but I don't
have any rituals for instrument care or a secret warm-up routine or the
like. To each his own, though. Who am to tell someone else what to do.

Nancy

Nancy E. Buckman, Technical Assistant
School of Health Professions, Wellness and Physical Education
Anne Arundel Community College
Arnold, MD 21012-1895 USA
Phone 410-777-2316 Fax 410-777-2233
E-mail nebuckman@-----.edu

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