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Bent Legere Reed

Author: alto gether
Date: 2014-03-01 16:13

I really like my Legere reeds. On contra alto, I've never managed to get a cane reed to work as well. (Fobes student mpc, rebuilt Bundy instrument).
That said: the cursed things come without protective boxes. I just bent the tip of my last good one. Has anybody found a way to rescue a reed once it has been bent?

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Re: Bent Legere Reed

Author: kilo
Date: 2014-03-01 17:27

Try dipping it in simmering water and flattening it immediately on a piece of glass or other smooth flat surface.

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Re: Bent Legere Reed

Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-03-01 23:34

Someone just mentioned this technique (adding that you put in and take out IMMEDIATELY) for softening the reed. And added that this is a 'one-way ticket.'

............Paul Aviles

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Re: Bent Legere Reed

Author: ThatPerfectReed
Date: 2014-03-01 23:42

Paul's thoughtful and astute above. But I think I recall someone reporting this softness to be temporary. Consider these suggestions on hot water immersion from a "what else do I have to lose" mindset.

Both my recollection here and Paul's may be based on the anecdotal reports of others.

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Re: Bent Legere Reed

Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2014-03-02 00:01

ThatPerfectReed wrote:

> Both my recollection here and Paul's may be based on the
> anecdotal reports of others.

Softening by brief immersion in hot water is suggested by the Legere company - either on its website or on the packaging, I forget which.

I put Legeres in any kind of small reed holder that will fit in my case - there's no issue of warping from uneven exposure to air. All that's needed is to protect the tip.

My suspicion is that if the physical structure has been compromised, the reed is probably not recoverable.

But I think Russ's advice is well-put, that you try this kind of thing at the risk of making the reed unplayable, but if it's already unplayable then there isn't much to lose. If it's a question of throwing it in the trash or trying to resuscitate it with hot water immersion, go for the cure and, if it doesn't work, then throw it out. Just don't leave it in the water more than half a second.

Karl

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Re: Bent Legere Reed

Author: kilo
Date: 2014-03-02 00:27

I thought it was obvious that the reed was useless as it was.

Legere also says not to store the reed in the plastic case it comes in. A good reed holder is a worthwhile investment.

(I always keep a spare cane reed around in case something like this happens.)

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Re: Bent Legere Reed

Author: alto gether
Date: 2014-03-01 21:13

Thanks, all. My Legeres didn't come in plastic cases. Somewhere I have a fibercane reed that didn't last me long but came in a lovely box. I bet I can find that. Meanwhile, I got by with my last backup reed and Guy Legere called before I could order new ones to say he'd send me some to try out.
(plays a few bars of Speechless With Gratitude)

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