 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: yearsofwisdom
Date: 2009-12-12 02:28
Recently i have been crackign alot of reeds and experienced alot of incosistencies in my reeds from day to day so i was wondering if i should get a reed case and what would be the best. i usually just keep them in the vandoren cases that come with it.
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Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2009-12-12 06:04
Definitely something that controls humidity. Such as a hygro case, or you can do what Mr. Palanker does or similar and just leave them in the plastic cases and seal them in a plastic freezer bag with the Rico Reed Vitalizers. They do work wonders. I might try the new Muncy hygro case soon after the new year when I have some money haha.
BTW I'm not trying to hijack the post but does anyone also have opinions on that Muncy Hygro or other hygro reed cases similar to that?
Post Edited (2009-12-12 07:07)
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2009-12-12 09:17
I don't know how the Muncy Hydro case works and that's the main thing you would look for but I just don't found it very attractive and it's terrible expensive why why why ?
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Author: gigaday
Date: 2009-12-12 11:58
I've got 2 of these
http://www.woodwindandbrass.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000002.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww.woodwindandbrass.co.uk%2facatalog%2fclarinet_reeds.html&WD=hodge&PN=saxophone_reed_case.html%23a1336#a1336
They work fine for me and hold 9 Bb clarinet reeds each. I don't find any problem with reeds drying out or cracking. Very compact and inexpensive too.
Tony
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2009-12-12 12:55
http://www.wisemancases.com/clarinet_reed.html
Does the job.
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Author: weberfan
Date: 2009-12-12 15:15
Here's a link to one of the more recent threads on reed cases.
There are plenty more, using the search function.
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=286189&t=286059
I have two Rico reed cases with vitalizer packs to maintain a decent humidity level. I've used them for two years and they work well. Put the cases in an airtight freezer bag and the vitalizer bags will function well for six months or some in many cases. The cases are about $20.
Pro-Tec, Vandoren and other companies also have reasonably priced plastic cases. Depends on what you want. You can spend $100 or more on finely crafted wood cases. But basically, you'll want something that keeps reeds fresh, flat and mold-free. No guarantees on mold, depending on the climate where you are, but I've had no problems with the Rico cases on that score.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-12-12 15:20
Clarimiester got it almost right. I do keep my reeds in a Freezer bag with a Rico Vitalizer in the bag, or in my reed case which is in the bag. The only thing that was not correct is that I do keep the reeds in a reed case too. I use a Rico reed case for most of my reeds, the Vitalizer fits in the case, and I keep that in the bag always keeping it air tight, never allowing it to sit out in the opened air for more than just enough time to take the reed out to play. I use an older leather reed case for my bass clarinet reeds, and for some extra clarinet reeds that I have on reserve. I really don't think the type of case you use means much as long as they keep the reeds secure and safe but the Rico case is very good and I highly recommend it. You don't need a fancy expensive case to keep your reeds secure. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2009-12-13 06:55
Guys do you not have any problem about durability of the Rico Case? Mine broke after less than 6 months of use that is the pin that holds the slot broke so the slot rattles inside the case making it usless or at least very annoying. Then it took my 11 year old student only less than a week to break the lock on it.
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Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2009-12-13 09:57
I've had mine for about 4 months now and no real problems yet. 'course I'm really careful with it hehe.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-12-13 14:14
I am careful with all my equipment, I open and close the reed cases without any pressure and have had mine for several years now. Probably opened and closed them a thousand times by now, no problem. As with any tools of the trade, you have to care for your tools with loving care. ESP
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2009-12-13 15:00
I've had a Steuer 12 reed case with glass plate for at least 4-5 years without any problem at all.
The Rico ring sign on the case even came unclued and fell of the case after 3-4 months of use.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2009-12-13 16:14
Iceland clarinet wrote:
> Guys do you not have any problem about durability
> of the Rico Case? Mine broke after less than 6 months
> of use that is the pin that holds the slot broke
> so the slot rattles inside the case making it usless
> or at least very annoying. Then it took my 11 year old student
> only less than a week to break the lock on it.
I gave the Rico cases a very fair trial and eventually gave them away to my students.
For me there were a number of problems with them:
1. The closing latch was either too tight or too loose (mostly too tight) and opening them was not easy or convenient.
2. As noted above, the 2 hinge pins which hold the 8 reed storage compartment broke off on two of the three cases I had. (and yes, I am very careful with equipment)
3. Getting the reeds in and out of the storage slots is clumsy. The possibility of snagging the tip of the reed on the plastic securing bands is high.
4. The vitalizer packs, while imparting humidity, for me, kept my reeds in a swollen state and they played balky. Only after leaving them out of the case, did they return to normal. Of course, if you prefer, you do not have to use the vitalizer packs.
Thus, I have returned to my old Harrison reed cases for storage, and the inexpensive plastic, Leblanc 4 reed holders (with the black elastic securing bands and channels for air circulation) for everyday rehearsals.
...GBK
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2009-12-13 16:28
I broke the tip of at least 3 reeds in my 6 months use of the Rico case. I've broked the tip of at least 2-3 reeds in my over 5 years use of the Steuer reed case.
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Author: Lee
Date: 2009-12-13 20:38
I've meen using a ReedMate for over 10 years and find it does a good job.
http://www.reedmate.com/
I have no connection with this product other than being a satisfied customer.
Post Edited (2009-12-13 20:39)
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2009-12-13 21:43
Lee it doesn't say on their homepage or at WWBW or Weiner website but how many reeds does the Reed Mate hold ?
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Author: salzo
Date: 2009-12-13 22:06
the reedmate holds four reeds. i think they might make a larger one that holds 8 or ten, but I am not sure.
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Author: hammer_sickle01
Date: 2009-12-14 03:14
I used the Vandoren plastic case for a while (although it was more for safe, secure storage...didn't take into consideration then, that it would lengthen or improve the quality of my reeds, if it did at all). Unfortunately, recently 3 of the slots snapped (still intact...just loose) so after a few of my reeds were damaged from sliding around, I asked my instructor for recommendations on another case or if I should just replace it. She recommended something with a glass surface. So I did some research (more like googling) and came across Ken Kase reeds and ordered a pair that holds 5 reeds each.
I'll admit, the aesthetic appeal of the case won me over to buy it, so I don't know what more it'll do for my reeds than keep it safe in it's case. But I still have yet to actually use it, but plan on doing so once I begin breaking in my next box of reeds. Still...doesn't hurt to take a look at it.
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Author: yearsofwisdom
Date: 2009-12-20 01:27
mmm....
does anyone have experience with the selmer reed case or the j winter reed cases? i hear beveled glass is the best.... but what would be my best options?
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Author: Bobby McClellan
Date: 2009-12-20 16:53
I am using cases made by Roger Garrett. They are well made and hold up to 10 reeds each (Even his contra case!)
I also have a variety of other cases that I use. Bought most of them to get me to the free shipping on orders online. I have a protec case that is ok but not great.
Bobby M. McClellan
Flowood, MS
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Author: RogerGarrett
Date: 2009-12-26 23:20
I guess I'll weigh in on this discussion - primarily because of all the interesting questions and suppositions.
Let me begin by saying that there is no reed case with a non-porous flat surface (such as glass, plexiglass, aluminum (unless ribbed), etc. that will keep or prevent a moist reed placed flat side down on it from warping. This is because the reed will dry from the outside inward (thinnest portion of the reed towards the heart). Like a piece of paper or any other unstable material, the cane will be forced into a new shape if it isn't well sealed and broken in. The straighter the cane and the less warping in the original tube (no way to tell unless you made the reed from a tube), the less chance of warping. The best way to avoid warping is to do at least one or two of the following:
1. Prepare your reeds before playing them in such a way as to create as good a seal as you can on the flat side of the reed. I have ideas about this process if you are interested. Because I now play from reeds that I make directly from the tube of cane, there is a specific process I feel seems to help prevent warping.
2. Dry your reeds on their backs (cut side down, flat side up) and then place them in a storage container.
I don't believe you can do much about the humidity factor affecting your reeds - especially if you use a lot of reeds. When a box of reeds is opened and balanced for play - it will function in the climate/humidity during which the process takes place. It is pretty difficult to force it to play in a different climate/humidity - much better to store it until the weather changes back. I have many reeds that I use in January - then, as April comes around, I store the reeds until November or December (if they aren't worn out) in a case that is labeled specifically for winter months. Same as spring/summer/fall reeds.
Having said that - some cases work ok for maintaining a level of humidity. More on that shortly.
Ok - regarding reed cases. There are so many to choose from you, you have to make a decision what your reed case is to function as. Is it to act primarily as a humidor (much like a cigar humidor)? If so, purchase one with a seal and a humidity control function built into it. But, for a lot less money, you can purchase an entire humidor from a cigar shop and use it to store reeds in. If you are after a reed case per se, I personally feel that Robert DeLutis has a good product - although I've seen the wood carcasses before anything is installed in it, and there is nothing really special about them. The wood sealer he uses is black paint - so it isn't reallly anything special except for the rubber grommet/seal, the humidity control system (humidor, etc.) - AND (perhaps most importantly) the ribbed plates that the reeds sit on. Regrettably, I also believe that reeds will change as soon as they are in a new environment for only an hour or two. Unless you plan to leave the case closed until the moment you pull a reed out (and return the reed you are using immediately into the case and close it), the humidity controlled case is really best just for at home use.
Frankly (I recall the M*A*S*H quote - "Can I be Frank Frank????") - the Selmer reed case, Harrison reed case, Vandoren four packs (the charcoal thing really is quite silly!), my case, and the other similar cases - are simply cases to store reeds in to transport them from one place to another. I own several Harrison cases, several Selmer cases, and an old Harrison style case that I purchased from David Shifrin in the 1980s. All of these cases are between 8 and 25 years old (at least). The cases I make are simply nice looking, functional, wooden reed cases. They hold 12-14 Bb reeds, and they are quite popular. The hinges are good and solid, the hook is as good as I can find anywhere and more reliable over time than the Harrison latches (thin brass clips that fail eventually) and the "spring catches" that can also fail over time. My Clarinet/Bass Clarinet/Saxophone reed cases are not available from a dealer - just me. But - the oboe and bassoon reed cases are available from many sources - Musicians Friend, WWBW, Giardinelli, etc. - and directly from me. Most people purchase Clarinet and saxophone reed cases directly from me if they want a nice exotic wood such as grenadilla, rosewood, cocobolo, paduk, redheart, bloodwood, mahogany, zebrawood, spalted maple, burled woods, purpleheart, etc. I also provide the option of a magnetic latch - just recently - as well as a three reed case. You can visit my website at GarrettMusicProducts.com and click on reed cases. All the information is there (well - the magnet latch is so new it is not there, but you get the point).
I hope this helps answer some questions. Please feel free to contact me directly with questions if you like.
Best wishes,
Roger Garrett
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