Author: Psolomon
Date: 2015-06-21 08:45
So as I opened yet another box of Vandoren reeds, first stripping the box the box of its plastic film, opening the box and chucking the paper panphlet, opening my reed from its plastic wrapper, and then finally receiving my reed in its plastic case, which I would also chuck into the garbage, I couldn't help but wonder:
Is all this really necessary?
Of course, the plastic case is standard to make sure the reed doesn't get damaged in transit, and the cardboard box itself is just fine, but does this "flow pack" actually help? Vandoren says it insures that that the reed arrives in the exact same condition as when it was cut in France, but does that actually mean anything? Who says the conditions in France are perfect? Even if they are, what's the point if they are going to be different from the place where they are broken in and actually used? With the extensive break-in process most classical clarinetists use, the reed is going to change a LOT from its original form either way. And of course: WHY DO YOU NEED TO PUT A LITTLE PAPER ADVERT IN EVERY SINGLE BOX? And why rap the box in film???
Compare a box of Vandoren reeds to, say D'addario (formerly Rico): Cardboard box; open it to find reeds in plastic cases. I personally do not play on these reeds, but I know people who swear by them, despite their lack of "flow pack"
Is all this extra garbage really necessary to ensure a quality reed? No offense to Vandoren, but even with all this extra "insurance", only about half the reeds in a box are actually playable. I've been trying to figure out how to recycle all this garbage, but why make this trash in the first place?
I'm a tree-hugger and well aware of it. While I take great care to make sure the plastic cases go into the recycling bin, and the pamphlets go in the paper garbage, that won't change the fact that all this extra single-use garbage can't be good for the environment.
Is there something I'm missing?
Bonus question: how do you guys dispose of the actual reeds? I, like most, just throw them in the garbage, but I've been thinking that, since they're wood, maybe they could go into compost?
Post Edited (2015-06-21 08:53)
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The Clarinet BBoard
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