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RE: Reeds and glass

Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2002-08-06 12:58

Reeds change over time and so do the conditions (our embouchure, temperature, humidity, the reed itself changes configuration once played, wet and dryed, etc. ad infinitum). I have never been very good about adjusting reeds - I should learn and be better, but I find that drying on a flat surface does help subsequent playing.

Using glass provides the ideal flat surface but also an moisture impermeable surface such that more moisture escapes from the surface not in contact with the glass. A second piece of glass applied with pressure to the reed tip area results in more even drying but the area just back of the tip is concave and only the very tip is flattened and further back a smaller area is in contact with the second piece of glass. All of this said, looking at the tips under a microscope indicates a slight but noticible concavitgy of the tip after drying. I have recently been using a special kind of limestone (rock) that has been milled flat and smooth and a second piece of frosted glass (allows more water vapor to escape)on the top. This setup yields dry reeds in a hurry (because the limestone absorbs moisture - e.g. the drink coasters)and a completely flat tip.

Whether the above machinations are at all useful in prolonging the useful life of the reed, the playability of the reed, or other subjective reed criteria - I do not have a clue - but it gives me a good plecibo feeling about drying reeds properly.
The Doctor

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Reeds and glass new

Martin

2002-08-06 02:20