Klarinet Archive - Posting 000625.txt from 2004/11

From: "Larisa Duffy and David Dow" <duffyl@-----.ca>
Subj: Re: [kl] HOW TO handle new REEDS?
Date: Mon, 22 Nov 2004 12:21:45 -0500

To clarify, I am going to as clear as possible..the reed when we get has
already changed
considerably from the way it grew...

However, I feel that rubbing the reed
with the fingers simply deadens and deystroys the reed.

Taking a new reed and then using the fingers
to massage the reed in my opinion is simply killing or "aging" the reed
prematurally....I also find the sound
if a reed rubbed to death like this airy and dull...

As to others, they may use this method. I have found that this method
simply impregnates the
reed with dirt and grime and lessens the way the reed plays....

Removing cane from a hard reed with a knife is far better in improving the
reed over rubbing it
with the fingers and deadening the reed. I find in many cases rubbing or
massagine the reed this way
makes it play "harder."

David Dow
Symphony NB

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