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Can I save these reeds?

Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2014-08-24 18:06

I am as guilty as anyone of playing on a favourite reed in favour of not-so-pretty ones (though as my reed making skills improve with my playing, I currently have a about 5 favourites

). I have noticed that my particular favourites, after time (or if I use them quite a few days in a row of days on end at camp) develop a mildew taste after soaking, which I guess isn't surprising (also it's winter down here).

I have a large case with vents on the side. I leave it open when I play and afterwards if I am home. If I have rehearsals I usually have a long drive home and then once home I am guilty of leaving the case in my front pocket and assuming everything dries out (I'm scared I'm going to take off with my oboe case and no reeds one day if I take the reeds out). Once the reeds develop the taste, I leave them alone because I am terrified of breathing in spores or something else nasty, even though I can't see any mould at all. But the reeds still usually have plenty of life in them.

Is there anything I can soak them or clean them with in that might eliminate the mildew taste (and any mould if present) but not kill the reed? Mouthwash? Alcohol? I've probably got 5 reeds like this at the moment that are beautiful but I won't play them anymore.

Thanks,

Rachel

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