 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2019-09-21 09:32
Hi,
I wondered if you would like to see some clarinet reed photographs? They were taken on a scanning electron microscope by a new friend of mine called Dr Sachin Shah.
The photos show two clarinet reeds, both of which are Rigotti Gold 2.5 light. One has been used for about 30 minutes a day for a month and one is unused.
The "lower side" is the flat side of the reed, and the "upper" is the curved side.
Sachin asked a grass specialist and the person said that the differences that show between the used and unused reeds are not to do with the amount of use, and more to do with which part of the tissue happens to have been shown in the photograph. For example mature vascular bundles with big open tubes show in one, versus immature vascular bundles with less open tubes which show in the other. I thought the photos were really lovely though, and that you might like to see them.
The work was kindly supported by Sachin's supervisor, Prof. Lomomossoff and it took place at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, UK, where they work.
I hope you enjoy them.
Jen
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Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2019-09-26 20:20
Might anyone have a minute to look at these photos? I think they're kinda cool.
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Author: Djudy
Date: 2019-09-27 02:16
Definitely cool ! Voilà the explanation for the 'one out of a box of 10' problem.
I have taken to sanding my new reeds before any use on the theory that if it makes them feel smoother (it definitely does) and more uniform then any variations in the reed tissue is at least patched over, making for a slicker air flow surface and allowing less saliva to enter and get trapped in the pores to cause degradation and warping. I have not yet learned (read not taken the time) to tweak a reed like Tim Ridenour does but just sanding gently on a glass plate does make a difference to me.
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Author: Ken Lagace
Date: 2019-09-27 05:50
I downloaded them all to study side by side and try to understand what is going on inside.
Very interesting, thanks.
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Author: SunnyDaze
Date: 2019-09-27 15:54
Djudy - thanks, that's interesting to know that a bit of sanding helps. Seeing the holes really made me wonder about how much water is absorbed. When I play with a plastic reed I've noticed that I sometimes get kind of a damp chin, whereas with a cane reed I don't. I was wondering if the absorption of water by the cane reed was something to do with that.
I would like to try weighing the reeds after use to see how much water they absorb. I'll need to figure out how to play the clarinet really close to the research lab that I volunteer in so I can weigh it on a really accurate balance, right after playing. I think I may have to learn to busk. :-)
Ken - thanks so much for taking a look. I'd be really glad to know what you think.
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