 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: BGBG
Date: 2016-07-30 02:04
Is there any agreement on the storage humidity of reeds...like the% max or minimum and how to achieve it? I am struggling to find some compromise between the "just lick it, wipe it, put it in case" , plastic ZipLock bags with cigar humidity packs, and the 24/7 long-term storage in some liquid like Vodka, Listerine, etc. My reeds vary in their condition, I have tried many different ways according to what I was reading at the time, I have maybe 35 reeds in usable conditions but only play on about one per day. I am currently using plastic bags with damp sponge in medicine bottle with holes in cap and a humidistat and the humidity in bag around 60%, in case 70% but reeds are not in case, and the room humidity around 47%. I keep the reeds in the plastic holders they come in rubberbanded in groups of 5 and divided among 4-5 bags for convenience. I take reed out, soak in plain cool tap water for 3-4 minutes, wipe and rub to polish bottom and seal the top, play 15-20 minutes, then lay it flat side up t dry overnight and return it.
But out of all the ways players do things is there a "middle of the road " starting point I might feel feel comfortable with.
I have reeds up to a year or more old number 2, 2.5, and 3 strength and some look very good; others not so good. Some have brown-blackish look on base or tip half. A few have bad taste. One I just took out, not very old, has a black pasty film on top of vamp that smears if rub. Did nothing with it yet.
I am seeking a good general suggested but not extreme method of reed care to begin if anyone could offer pointers, advice, criticism, etc. Have read much but need a decision. Thank you.
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Author: nellsonic
Date: 2016-07-30 05:28
This has been covered here extensively in recent months and over the years. Using the search function will reveal more writing and opinions on this than you'd probably want to read. You could easily revive any of those threads that prompt further questions by posting on them.
The black stuff is mold. I'd throw those reeds away for the sake of your health, but again opinion varies and that has also come up several times in recent memory.
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Author: BGBG
Date: 2016-07-30 06:44
Yes, I HAVE read quite a bit here and elsewhere, but inconclusive and I wondered if any new ideas around. Maybe I will re-read them.
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Author: Zain
Date: 2016-07-30 10:41
Don't listen to them BGBG, it's okay! Sometimes you just want to have an original thread. If you read this article linked below, it might give you some insight as to what percentage to use. I personally use 75%, but Richie Hawley seems to do well with 59%. Humidity packs aren't too expensive, so do an experiment and let us know what you find! Happy reed caring!
http://www.richiehawley.com/artist.php?view=news&nid=7683
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Author: Micke Isotalo ★2017
Date: 2016-07-30 11:03
I recommend the Vandoren Hygro reed case (6 reeds) HRC10. Works great for me, also in a really dry winter climate (down to around 15 percent indoor humidity). No problems with mold.
Micke Isotalo
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Author: BGBG
Date: 2016-07-30 20:23
That's OK. I am not offended. Maybe it was intended to be helpful. But I was afraid I may have been missing or misunderstanding something and there might be new information I had not seen. Reeds play well...just look bad. Anyway I'm going to re-read posts, experiment with peroxide, listerine, Clorox 10%/water 90%, and leave out of bags for awhile. Until sure they NEED more than 47% air humidity. I am somewhat perfectionistic and questing for the perfect conditions that may not even exist. The pasty one cleaned up well with some soaking, rinsing, and a little sanding and sounds good. I was avoiding the contolled humidity packs for cigars because they might need replacing each month or so, though the concept sounded appealing.
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2016-08-01 00:05
You kind of asked a similar question perhaps a few months ago. I'm pretty sure I advised you to avoid storing reed in plastic bags. Seems like you are stuck on using plastic, regardless of mold and health issues. I'm worried for your health my friend.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2016-08-01 15:49
In humid Virginia, I keep my reeds as dry as possible. No way would I play on a reed with a nasty taste, a slimy feel or visible mold or mildew. Even if I could test the stuff and scientifically prove that it's harmless (which I can't), the ick-factor would win.
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
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Author: Matt74
Date: 2016-08-05 01:43
Some guys use humidity packs, I haven't. I put mine in a reedcase (the old hinged box kind with the piece of glass - it doesn't seal airtight). I put that in an OPEN plastic bag, but I'm not sure that's necessary. I used to keep them sealed in a container and very humid, but they were always warping. I then realized that the reed was always going to react to the atmosphere while I was playing. Wood is made to change, and it's not necessary that they be wet all the time. If they are wet, they are always swelling and then drying out. The case and open bag keep some of the humidity in, but allow it to change slowly overnight. Before playing I only dip them in water a brief second, wipe it off, and then put them back in the reedcase a minute. Immediately before using them I dip them another second. Once I get the back flat it usually stays that way, and they don't mold or warp. They are on the dry side.
I wouldn't put bleach on them.
- Matthew Simington
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Author: BGBG
Date: 2016-08-05 06:37
To Bob B....Yes, Bob. As I said somewhere, I am getting away from the the plastic bags and too-moist reeds. Especially when my room right now is 50% humidity and 73 degrees in the air conditioned house.
Post Edited (2016-08-05 06:41)
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