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Strange Coloration on Reeds

Author: Neal Raskin
Date: 2009-12-13 15:18

So here's what's happening:

Over time, my reeds are becoming discolored on the flat side of the reed. The shape of the coloration is an outline of the bottom of the chamber opening. So essentially a square "U" shape. The reeds still play well, but eventually they are developing the typically mold "spot" in the center of the reed.

I dry my reeds off after I play them. I keep them in a Rico Reed case with a 73% vitalizer pack. When this first happened, I threw all my reeds away, and washed my mouthpiece and reed cases. But this problem is still persistent.

Anyone else had this problem? Is it strange that this U shape is appearing on the reeds? Is this due to the Vitalizer packs?

Thanks,

Neal Raskin

www.youtube.com/nmraskin
www.musicedforall.com

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Re: Strange Coloration on Reeds

Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2009-12-13 16:14

This might be due to the fact that they are kept at this high humidity and not played too often.

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Re: Strange Coloration on Reeds

Author: BartHx
Date: 2009-12-13 16:27

I have not had this problem and have never used a Vitalizer pack but, as a biologist, for what it's worth, here is my guess:

The shape would indicate that the problem is occurring where the reed is exposed to absorbing the maximum amount of moisture. When you dry the reed, you are not going to be able to get the moisture that is absorbed into the fibers Your reed will gradually dry down to 73%, but that is still a relatively high moisture content. In your part of the country at this time of year, a heated room is going to have an ambient humidity much lower than that. I am accustomed to California where summer ambient humidity is, typically, 20% to 30% and, indoors in the winter, less than that.

My suggestion:
1. Stop using the Vitalizer pack and see if the situation improves.
2. Carry a small vial of CLEAN water (pill bottle, film can, etc.) to soak your reeds briefly before you use them.
I have heard a number of top players who suggest wiping the reed when you finish playing and then leaving it on the mouthpiece to dry. It's easy to add moisture to a reed, but it takes time to get it out. If that time is long enough, mold spores will find a happy home.

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