 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Musikat
Date: 2023-05-10 00:32
I have for years used the Rico/D'Addario reed cases and Boveda 72 percent humidity packs in them. I occasionally get mold but not very often, maybe once a year or two, but I think the last time was in the summer.
I just pre-ordered Brad Behn's new reed case and in watching a video he mentioned 75 percent or even 84 percent packs. On Amazon it says the 84 percent is specifically for "music/woodwind" reeds, which I had never noticed before.
I do a lot of rotating reeds, so typically have three separate cases (two for my Bb - older and newer, and one for my Eb reeds). What do you all recommend when I need to replace whatever one Brad sends in his case or for refills on my others, which I am getting close to needing? Anyone use the 84%? He said on the video he likes it because it keeps them in "playing" condition and he barely has to wet them.
That seems like it would make it more prone to mold, especially if I am going days if not a week more more without playing a particular reed. Also it is about to be summer and I am in Maryland. We do use air but only when it gets super hot.
Thoughts on which number?
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Author: kdk
Date: 2023-05-10 01:58
Tom Ridenour has a video "reed storage: best practices." He shows that he keeps his reeds in a sealable bag (Zip-lock) with a wet sponge enclosed. To prevent mold, he sprays the reeds with hydrogen peroxide.
Karl
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Author: Clarineat
Date: 2023-05-16 07:00
I play synthetics now, but in my experience 84% is a bit high and they get moldy.
I think 72 for reeds is good, and 49 for clarinets (use the bigger packs of course).
YMMV, and depends on your climate too!
Sean Perrin
Host of the Clarineat Podcast
Listen FREE at www.clarineat.com
hello@clarineat.com
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Author: SecondTry
Date: 2023-05-16 20:25
Of course Karl's reference to Tom Ridenour's sponge is one where humidity is not regulated in the sense that Boveda packs will, within limits, emit or absorb moisture to regulate humidity.
And of course, we can argue that such regulated control may have little if any positive effect on the longevity and playability of cane.
I think the whole goal here is that once a new reed is exposed to moisture, that it never fully dries out to experience the potential dimension changing effects of varied levels of aridness, and that limiting humidity, once at an acceptable level (say 72%) may be more about controlling mold producing conditions than optimizing the climate for stored cane.
I looked at a Youtube video of Brad Behn's new reed storage boxes. As seems to always be the case, (no pun intended) Brad has thoughtfully considered a design that maximizes functionality in a compact space, but I am forced to question whether spending the money on such wares (in this specific situation, as opposed to others that my include Brad's wonderful product offerings) will translate into better play (for me,) or simply fill a desire, again at least for me, to own yet another trinket.
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Author: Musikat
Date: 2023-05-16 22:27
I just received my case today . For me I was most attracted to being able to use one case instead of two and have four more spaces for reeds. I had been looking for a new type so I thought I would try it while it was still at the introductory price. I got the 20 reed case, which will hold two whole boxes of reeds. I was always having to pick the two in a box that seemed least likely to develop, so this will solve that issue. I also wonder if putting the humidity pack in the middle will make any difference, but we shall see!
BTW it came with the 72% I have always used, so I think I will stick with those.
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