 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: atl4413
Date: 2004-03-06 19:07
I've read all of the archived threads on reed cases and still wonder... does it really matter if reeds are stored against glass or not?
Some cases are plastic, some wood, some with glass, some without....
Does it really make a difference as long as the reeds are kept dry so that mold/mildew doesn't grow?
Is the mohogany with glass $100.00 case really better than the plastic $17.00 case?
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Author: Bnatural
Date: 2004-03-06 19:57
maybe one of the resident professionsonals will come in and blow me out of the water on the issue but.... i have been using a plastic vandorean case for about 8 years and i've never had a problem on the alto or clarinet case... so i'm gonna say that it isn't as big of a deal as people make it out to be... i think it's kind of like a sax player getting a special order laquer or finish.... the difference may be there but it may be in your mind to...
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Author: BobD
Date: 2004-03-06 21:00
Then you realize there probably isn't a concensus......on most subjects here
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-03-06 22:20
I think the different cases also have different effects on warping reeds. Meaning some cases don't properly allow the tip to dry or hold it flat so the tip will be much more prone to warping. I think that's the reason for the glass cases. Glass is a flat surface and when the reed is pressed against the glass, the tip dries flatter.
That being said, I use a "combination" of things. I use two $4 LaVoz plastic cases to store my reeds in (each holds four reeds). But I use Doctor’s Double Treat Thirsty Reed Pad™ (sponsor of the BBoard) to put the reed that I just finished using on. This really has prevented warped reeds very well. Then, when I next go to play, I take the dry reed from the thirsty reed pad, place it in a LaVoz holder, then take one from a LaVoz holder, and place that on my clarinet. I keep track of a rotation with a small piece of paper and I don't have to worry as to whether the LaVoz keeps them flat while drying, because they're already dry before I put them in there.
I think the bottom line is that there are plenty of ways to 'work around' what some people might consider a bad reed case (I don't think the LaVoz is too popular except with beginners), and that a lot of times, reed cases can be fancier, but I think extra features like what you mention above is just for show (mahogany like you saw above, a Wiseman reed case is very pretty, etc. etc.) They'll also serve the purpose but it's up to whatever you're willing to spend.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: craig
Date: 2004-03-07 08:43
I've been really pleased with a Selmer reed case I just got recently, it was about $55. It's got a plate of glass to lay the reeds on, and some padding on the top when you shut it to keep them flat. So far, it's been working really well for me, and I've noticed a big difference in terms of the day to day consistency of how my reeds are playing. I got the one for bass clarinet reeds, which works fine, it's just longer so I can store a ton more reeds. Also, just from an organizational standpoint it's easier for me to use because I can line up 15 reeds in a row and know which is which and have them all in one location.
Then again, for a long time I was really careless about how I stored them, and mainly just used the packaging they come in, which I understand is a "terrible" thing to do. I've definitely noticed a difference, but maybe it's one of those things that helps on the margins. Like, for beginning players I wouldn't advise running out and buying tons of reed storage equipment because there's so much else to worry about, but when you start going for a more refined sound it might be a helpful investment.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2004-03-07 15:36
It's hard to know for sure what causes reed warpage problems because many times(?) its probably inherent in the reed itself. We probably use a reed holder(s) that our experience tells us "works" for us. I'm not convinced that a flat glass or plastic continuous surface is best but I do believe that the tip,especially, must be restrained lightly but firmly in a flat position while drying. A porous flat surface such as the Doctor's product seems to be the right way to go. One might be able to approach that result with a small pocket knife sharpening stone if one wanted to hassle with a homemade restraining system.
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