 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Chris C.
Date: 2011-07-30 22:20
Hey guys,
About a week ago, I decided that I would try to make my own reeds. Everything was going well until I noticed that all of the sections that I cut had mold. Since this was my fault, I won't let that deter me but I want to know how to stop this from happening before I try again. I saw a post on saxontheweb where someone suggested putting reeds in an airtight tupperware container and saturating the reeds with mouthwash. Would that prevent mold from growing?
Thanks in advance,
Chris.
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Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2011-07-31 02:41
Reed making is a multi-day process. Your reed blanks and "reeds in progress" must be allowed to dry out completely between each step of the reed making process. Successful reedmaking should introduce the cane to moisture gradually.
You need to keep your work in a drier environment.
Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com
World Class Hand-crafted Mouthpieces
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Author: Chris C.
Date: 2011-08-01 00:44
Thanks Walter!
If I'm starting from tube cane, is it better to store the cane in a bag/airtight container or in the open?
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2011-08-03 02:12
When I make my own reeds, which is about once every 2 to 4 weeks I NEVER soak them or bag them. I have the best luck buying the tubes, about a 1 year supply; perhaps 20 tubes and simply rest them for about a month or 2 before sanding the bottom of the reed flat, before you make the final cut. Then let the reeds rest for about a week before playing and breaking in the reeds. I have some favorite tubes of cane that are about 20 years old. The color has changed to a more yellow look but they are fantastic. I use these for recordings. The last reed I made from this batch lasted about 5 months. Most of my reeds are dead in a month. I also buy alto sax size tubes, because I like the thickness to be arount .125"
It's ok to soak the tubes in water, one time only for about 15 minutes with a small amount of baking soda and hot water around 150 degrees. Let them dry out for a few months. This system breaks down the fibers a bit , which will allow the final reeds to vibrate very well, without too much adjusting.
Don't use hot water or baking soda with finished reeds.
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