 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clariknight
Date: 2009-01-13 23:46
I just bought a Vandoren 4 reed case, and, being my curious self, right off the bat decided to see what the odd cylinder in the center was by attemtping to pull it out. Well, what I found was myself covered in thousands of tiny beeds and bits of charcoal. I managed to get most of them back into the tube and put it back in. Now, after having done proper research online, I see that this is a humidifier of sorts. Well, my question for any of you who have used these: is it a problem that about a twelfth of the contents are missing? Would it be wise to go ahead and buy a replacement?
Thanks for your time.
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Author: mrn
Date: 2009-01-14 00:08
Actually it's a dessicant. It absorbs moisture. The case itself keeps moisture in, and the charcoal insert absorbs moisture to keep the humidity in the case from getting too high. Without the charcoal insert (or once the charcoal insert wears out, which inevitably happens), the high humidity in the reed case promotes mold growth. I stopped using mine because of this. (and because I lived in Houston at the time, which is mold central, due to the humid climate).
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Author: kdk
Date: 2009-01-14 00:20
I owned one of those once. I'm a little surprised that the charcoal emptied out of yours. The tube in my reed holder after a few weeks started to fall out quite regularly whenever I'd open the case. It seems sealed.
I doubt if the missing charcoal will make any real difference, although like mrn, I stopped using mine - didn't see that it offered a real benefit, and it was too wide to fit easily in the accessories compartment in my clarinet case.
Karl
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2009-01-14 00:40
My opinion is that it's very difficult to get the dessicant out,it's rather ugly and it doesn't work very well. Plain trash in my opinion.
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Author: richard1952
Date: 2009-01-14 01:29
It is a good idea to remove the dessicant tube and soak the inside of the case in peroxide about once a month to destroy any bacteria inside the case. I also soak my reeds in peroxide every so often.
Richard
richardseaman@cox.net
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Author: Liquorice
Date: 2009-01-14 06:04
And don't forget the helpful instructions printed on the dessicant tube: "Do Not Eat"!
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