 The Fingering Forum
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Author: Sue
Date: 2003-09-17 21:14
After playing the B flat clarinet for 12 years I have suddenly developed an allergy to reeds. I have tried synthetic ones but don't like the tone. At present I am playing with Rico Plasticover ones but hate the sound. Does anyone know if any substance has been developed which can be used to coat ordinary reeds.
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Author: Donna
Date: 2003-09-17 22:54
Sue,
I can sympathize. I had the same thing happen about 20 years ago. It actually turned out for me that it was something in my saliva that was causing my chin to break out, not actually the bamboo.
Try using a mild antiseptic, like alcohol on your reed and faithfully on your mouthpiece every time you play. Alcohol pads are great for this, like the type they use for injections for diabetics. Also make sure you don't let any lipstick get onto the reed.
This does make the reeds dry out a little bit, but the benefit was worth it.
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Author: richard
Date: 2003-09-18 04:14
I believe that most reed allergy is not caused by the cane itself, but caused by the substance(s) added to the reed during processing.
I have reed allergy myself too. My throat itches and I cough whenever I am using a new reed. Before I use a new reed, I soak it in water for 2 days. I change the water for every 12 hours to clear the disolve substance from the reed.
Belive me, it cause no harm to the reed. After soaking, I have no allergy when playing the horn with the reed.
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Author: Sue
Date: 2003-09-18 21:26
Thank you Richard for your advice. My problem is that my lips and inside of my mouth break out in tiny cold sores when I play with a normal reed. It is interesting that I also get the same problem if I happen to put an ordinary wooden clothes peg in my mouth when hanging washing out. I will certainly try your remedy of soaking the reeds for 24 hours before using them.
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Author: Sue
Date: 2003-09-18 21:33
Thank you Donna for your advice, I will certainly try anything to get a better sound. I am hoping to take the Associated Board Grade 8 Clarinet exam in March 2004 and long to be able to play with my favourite reeds (Mitchell Lurie)again.
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Author: Donna
Date: 2003-09-19 14:27
Sue,
I have found that I have less reaction problems from the Marca brand reeds. FYI, they run half strength stronger than other brands, so if you play a 3, use a 2-1/2. Really nice reeds too.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2003-09-20 19:41
If you want to try other synthetic reeds, the Legere brand is considered quite good. Those who have tried them report that they find them to be better than any other synthetic out there.
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Author: RoB - Clarinet Master
Date: 2003-09-30 01:28
i hear you!
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Author: RoB - Clarinet Master
Date: 2003-09-30 01:31
I hear you! i have been playing the Bb clarinet for only one year (and i love it)(who can't???)and as soon as I started playing, I discovered that I developed an allergy to the regular reeds. (If you look at my most recent class picture, you'll see). I, too, am using Rico Plasticover, and find that they produce a good sound. (After you have been playing on that reed for a good whole week). So bee patient, and soon you will grow to like the palsticover.
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Author: Bryan
Date: 2003-10-07 02:49
god i hope this doesn't happen 2 me (but i play sax)
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