on tenor:
i use a new metal link #7 with la voz medium reeds. it did well for me. then it got better 
when i started storing my reeds overnight in a zip-lock bag after washing them. i'm amazed 
at the heightened projection and crispness i'm now capable of on tenor. this is definitely a 
major sound breakthrough!

i also have a new HR (hard rubber) Link 6* that's practically unplayable. fails the suction test.  
definitely leaky, definitely a dud! this is where MouthpieceWorks is a blessing. i checked out 
the HR Link Rework photo album at the Mojo Mouthpiecework site. now i know there's still 
hope for it.

on soprano:
i use an old HR Link #6 with la voz medium reeds and a rovner mark III ligature. i've been 
using this setup for the past four years and still very happy with it:  the feel, ease of playing,
projection, and flexibility of tone quality. my good reeds last an average of one month!

vince

--- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "vince lahorra" 
<vincelahorra@...> wrote:
>
> on tenor:
> i use a new metal link #7 with la voz medium reeds. it did well for 
me. then it got better 
> when i started storing my reeds overnight in a zip-lock bag after 
washing them. i'm amazed 
> at the heightened projection and crispness i'm now capable of on 
tenor. this is definitely a 
> major sound breakthrough!
> 
> i also have a new HR (hard rubber) Link 6* that's practically 
unplayable. fails the suction test.  
> definitely leaky, definitely a dud! this is where MouthpieceWorks 
is a blessing. i checked out 
> the HR Link Rework photo album at the Mojo Mouthpiecework site. now 
i know there's still 
> hope for it.
> 
> on soprano:
> i use an old HR Link #6 with la voz medium reeds and a rovner mark 
III ligature. i've been 
> using this setup for the past four years and still very happy with 
it:  the feel, ease of playing,
> projection, and flexibility of tone quality. my good reeds last an 
average of one month!
> 
> vince
>
I would think your reeds would warp.But what ever works is great. I 
use a selmer reed case that holds 10 reed I rotate my reeds every day 
and they last a long time I also wet my reeds in rum before I play. I 
never soak a reed to long that to me makes them sound dull

Let me guess - the more rum you soak them in, the better they sound?  
Sorry man, I couldn't resist a chuckle when I read that!  That reminds 
me of a story of the great tenor man Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, who used 
to experiment with mixed drinks while he was on the Basie band - he 
would put a tape recorder under his chair during dance jobs and record 
himself after drinking various cocktail combinations.  He discovered 
that Scotch and Milk produced the best solos.  That's no joke!  What a 
riot!

Doug

--- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "jimmitch47" <jimmitch47@...> 
wrote:
> ...I also wet my reeds in rum before I play...

--- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "drhaining" <dhaining@...> 
wrote:
>
> Let me guess - the more rum you soak them in, the better they 
sound?  
> Sorry man, I couldn't resist a chuckle when I read that!  That 
reminds 
> me of a story of the great tenor man Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, who 
used 
> to experiment with mixed drinks while he was on the Basie band - he 
> would put a tape recorder under his chair during dance jobs and 
record 
> himself after drinking various cocktail combinations.  He 
discovered 
> that Scotch and Milk produced the best solos.  That's no joke!  
What a 
> riot!
> 
> Doug
> 
> --- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "jimmitch47" <jimmitch47@> 
> wrote:
> > ...I also wet my reeds in rum before I play...
>
You got to love it. I will say I do like the way my reeds taste. All 
kidding aside I think it is important to sterilize the reeds if you 
are getting a lot of colds it may be from the reeds. I almost never 
catch a cold sense I started using the rum. Of course kids can use 
other sterilizers 

reeds and booze, interesting combination! maybe soon, some reedplayer with bartending 
savvy will concoct a line of "reed cocktails". sorry, counldn't resist the urge either...

jimmitch, i do use a La Voz reed holder when storing the reeds in the zip-lock bag. check 
out www.ricoreeds.com.  they have a (relatively) new product called "The Reed Vitalizer" 
which is suprisingly similar to my scheme. looks like some enterprising people took the 
idea further and just made our sax lives easier for us.

vince


--- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "jimmitch47" <jimmitch47@...> wrote:
>
> --- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "drhaining" <dhaining@> 
> wrote:
> >
> > Let me guess - the more rum you soak them in, the better they 
> sound?  
> > Sorry man, I couldn't resist a chuckle when I read that!  That 
> reminds 
> > me of a story of the great tenor man Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, who 
> used 
> > to experiment with mixed drinks while he was on the Basie band - he 
> > would put a tape recorder under his chair during dance jobs and 
> record 
> > himself after drinking various cocktail combinations.  He 
> discovered 
> > that Scotch and Milk produced the best solos.  That's no joke!  
> What a 
> > riot!
> > 
> > Doug
> > 
> > --- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "jimmitch47" <jimmitch47@> 
> > wrote:
> > > ...I also wet my reeds in rum before I play...
> >
> You got to love it. I will say I do like the way my reeds taste. All 
> kidding aside I think it is important to sterilize the reeds if you 
> are getting a lot of colds it may be from the reeds. I almost never 
> catch a cold sense I started using the rum. Of course kids can use 
> other sterilizers
>

--- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "vince lahorra" 
<vincelahorra@...> wrote:
>That was good vince people are always thinking how to make money. I 
still like my rum and the selmer reed case. the tips of my reed never 
warp and their always smiling!
> reeds and booze, interesting combination! maybe soon, some 
reedplayer with bartending 
> savvy will concoct a line of "reed cocktails". sorry, counldn't 
resist the urge either...
> 
> jimmitch, i do use a La Voz reed holder when storing the reeds in 
the zip-lock bag. check 
> out www.ricoreeds.com.  they have a (relatively) new product 
called "The Reed Vitalizer" 
> which is suprisingly similar to my scheme. looks like some 
enterprising people took the 
> idea further and just made our sax lives easier for us.
> 
> vince
> 
> 
> --- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "jimmitch47" <jimmitch47@> 
wrote:
> >
> > --- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "drhaining" <dhaining@> 
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Let me guess - the more rum you soak them in, the better they 
> > sound?  
> > > Sorry man, I couldn't resist a chuckle when I read that!  That 
> > reminds 
> > > me of a story of the great tenor man Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, who 
> > used 
> > > to experiment with mixed drinks while he was on the Basie band -
 he 
> > > would put a tape recorder under his chair during dance jobs and 
> > record 
> > > himself after drinking various cocktail combinations.  He 
> > discovered 
> > > that Scotch and Milk produced the best solos.  That's no joke!  
> > What a 
> > > riot!
> > > 
> > > Doug
> > > 
> > > --- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "jimmitch47" 
<jimmitch47@> 
> > > wrote:
> > > > ...I also wet my reeds in rum before I play...
> > >
> > You got to love it. I will say I do like the way my reeds taste. 
All 
> > kidding aside I think it is important to sterilize the reeds if 
you 
> > are getting a lot of colds it may be from the reeds. I almost 
never 
> > catch a cold sense I started using the rum. Of course kids can 
use 
> > other sterilizers
> >
>

Some things I have noticed about reeds along these lines ...

Reeds stored at high humidity (like in a zip loc bag, especially in
summer) tend to milldew sometimes. This is particularly true of new
reeds which still contain a fair amount of the monomer sugars from the
growth of the cane. In the first few wettings, reeds lose several
percent (up to 10%) of their weight as these monomer sugars and other
water soluble stuff (minerals, microdust, etc) wash out. A long time
ago, I did some studies on the effect of storing reeds at various
humidities. Higher humidities were very good in terms of maintaining
response and sound, but when it's too high, the reeds milldew,
espacially new ones.

A good way to steralize reeds without degrading performance is to soak
them a few minutes in a 50/50 mix of peroxide (3% solution from any
drugstore) and tap water, then rinse with tap water. Store peroxide in
the refrigerator to keep it from decomposing. If a reed mildews, or
gets old and non-responsive, often peroxide will restore its
performance (but it still may look bad due to discoloration.)

The surest way to warp a reed is to soak it too long, thus letting the
water wick up through the xylems into the butt end of the reed. Only
soak them briefly to wet the surface of the blade, but not long enough
to wick up water into the xylems. A new clarinet reed typically weighs
about 1.7 grams, but can wick up 200 to 500% or more of its weight in
water if soaked long enough (like overnight). Once waterlogged, it
takes many, many days for all the water to evaporate. During this
time, its mass is higher than normal, thus it gives a sluggish
response. I have studied the wetting and drying rates of reeds - old
and new, and have lots of data on that somewhere. Once the reed has
its "pores closed" the water no longer can wick into the xylems and
therefore waterlogging and warping is not as likely to occur.

I have been meaning to experiment with various methods of closing the
pores, like rubbing in a drop of vegatable or mineral oil, or
glycerine. Most folks just rub the pores shut with their finger,
filling them with oils and other crud from their hands. But I never
got around to doing that experiment with oil. I once heard that
somebody used mayonnaise, which is just a form of oil, to close the
pores. Anybody have any info on various methods of closing pores?

Rotating reeds from day to day keeps them at a good moisture content
and I have found that they perform better that way.

- Brent 




--- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "jimmitch47" <jimmitch47@...>
wrote:
>
> --- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "vince lahorra" 
> <vincelahorra@> wrote:
> >
> > on tenor:
> > i use a new metal link #7 with la voz medium reeds. it did well for 
> me. then it got better 
> > when i started storing my reeds overnight in a zip-lock bag after 
> washing them. i'm amazed 
> > at the heightened projection and crispness i'm now capable of on 
> tenor. this is definitely a 
> > major sound breakthrough!
> > 
> > i also have a new HR (hard rubber) Link 6* that's practically 
> unplayable. fails the suction test.  
> > definitely leaky, definitely a dud! this is where MouthpieceWorks 
> is a blessing. i checked out 
> > the HR Link Rework photo album at the Mojo Mouthpiecework site. now 
> i know there's still 
> > hope for it.
> > 
> > on soprano:
> > i use an old HR Link #6 with la voz medium reeds and a rovner mark 
> III ligature. i've been 
> > using this setup for the past four years and still very happy with 
> it:  the feel, ease of playing,
> > projection, and flexibility of tone quality. my good reeds last an 
> average of one month!
> > 
> > vince
> >
> I would think your reeds would warp.But what ever works is great. I 
> use a selmer reed case that holds 10 reed I rotate my reeds every day 
> and they last a long time I also wet my reeds in rum before I play. I 
> never soak a reed to long that to me makes them sound dull
>

Don't your reeds get moldy/mildewy??

BTW - I've been using Fibracell reeds exclusively for the last six 
years or so - no warping, no mold, no funny smell...
and I don't have to soak them in anything!

Other sax players are always surprised to discover that I use
a synthetic reed because I have such a warm tone (so I'm told, 
anyway :-)

--- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "vince lahorra" 
<vincelahorra@...> wrote:
>
> on tenor:
> i use a new metal link #7 with la voz medium reeds. it did well for 
me. then it got better 
> when i started storing my reeds overnight in a zip-lock bag after 
washing them. i'm amazed 
> at the heightened projection and crispness i'm now capable of on 
tenor. this is definitely a 
> major sound breakthrough!
> 
> i also have a new HR (hard rubber) Link 6* that's practically 
unplayable. fails the suction test.  
> definitely leaky, definitely a dud! this is where MouthpieceWorks 
is a blessing. i checked out 
> the HR Link Rework photo album at the Mojo Mouthpiecework site. now 
i know there's still 
> hope for it.
> 
> on soprano:
> i use an old HR Link #6 with la voz medium reeds and a rovner mark 
III ligature. i've been 
> using this setup for the past four years and still very happy with 
it:  the feel, ease of playing,
> projection, and flexibility of tone quality. my good reeds last an 
average of one month!
> 
> vince
>

I had a clarinet teacher once, named Cloyde Williams, principal of MN
Orch. who showed me how to make a "reed humidifier" out of Tupperware.
Get yourself a large Tupperware container, and fashion a "shelf" out of
plastic to set the reeds on that will sit about 3 inches above the
bottom of the container.  Then take sea salt and boil a solution of
water and sea salt until it is super-saturated, then add a bunch more
salt until it is sitting out of solution in the bottom of the pan.  Pour
the whole thing, including the extra salt, into the bottom of the
Tupperware, let it cool, add the shelf in, and you then can set your
reeds on the shelf.  Cover the thing with the Tupperware lid.  Reeds
stay humid, NEVER mildew, and are ready to go at any time.  It's not
portable, because if you get the salt on the reed it's finished (clogs
the pores).  But, it's a good way to store your reeds at home and then
you take them out to use them on a gig, etc.  It worked great.  It's
important to use sea salt, as iodized table salt did not prevent mildew.
 
Regarding synthetic reeds, try the Legere reeds.  They are pretty good.
 
Doug

-----Original Message-----
From: MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of ko4py
Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2006 9:56 AM
To: MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [MouthpieceWork] Re: my mouthpiece set ups


Some things I have noticed about reeds along these lines ...

Reeds stored at high humidity (like in a zip loc bag, especially in
summer) tend to milldew sometimes. This is particularly true of new
reeds which still contain a fair amount of the monomer sugars from the
growth of the cane. In the first few wettings, reeds lose several
percent (up to 10%) of their weight as these monomer sugars and other
water soluble stuff (minerals, microdust, etc) wash out. A long time
ago, I did some studies on the effect of storing reeds at various
humidities. Higher humidities were very good in terms of maintaining
response and sound, but when it's too high, the reeds milldew,
espacially new ones.

A good way to steralize reeds without degrading performance is to soak
them a few minutes in a 50/50 mix of peroxide (3% solution from any
drugstore) and tap water, then rinse with tap water. Store peroxide in
the refrigerator to keep it from decomposing. If a reed mildews, or
gets old and non-responsive, often peroxide will restore its
performance (but it still may look bad due to discoloration.)

The surest way to warp a reed is to soak it too long, thus letting the
water wick up through the xylems into the butt end of the reed. Only
soak them briefly to wet the surface of the blade, but not long enough
to wick up water into the xylems. A new clarinet reed typically weighs
about 1.7 grams, but can wick up 200 to 500% or more of its weight in
water if soaked long enough (like overnight). Once waterlogged, it
takes many, many days for all the water to evaporate. During this
time, its mass is higher than normal, thus it gives a sluggish
response. I have studied the wetting and drying rates of reeds - old
and new, and have lots of data on that somewhere. Once the reed has
its "pores closed" the water no longer can wick into the xylems and
therefore waterlogging and warping is not as likely to occur.

I have been meaning to experiment with various methods of closing the
pores, like rubbing in a drop of vegatable or mineral oil, or
glycerine. Most folks just rub the pores shut with their finger,
filling them with oils and other crud from their hands. But I never
got around to doing that experiment with oil. I once heard that
somebody used mayonnaise, which is just a form of oil, to close the
pores. Anybody have any info on various methods of closing pores?

Rotating reeds from day to day keeps them at a good moisture content
and I have found that they perform better that way.

- Brent 




--- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "jimmitch47" <jimmitch47@...>
wrote:
>
> --- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "vince lahorra" 
> <vincelahorra@> wrote:
> >
> > on tenor:
> > i use a new metal link #7 with la voz medium reeds. it did well for 
> me. then it got better 
> > when i started storing my reeds overnight in a zip-lock bag after 
> washing them. i'm amazed 
> > at the heightened projection and crispness i'm now capable of on 
> tenor. this is definitely a 
> > major sound breakthrough!
> > 
> > i also have a new HR (hard rubber) Link 6* that's practically 
> unplayable. fails the suction test.  
> > definitely leaky, definitely a dud! this is where MouthpieceWorks 
> is a blessing. i checked out 
> > the HR Link Rework photo album at the Mojo Mouthpiecework site. now 
> i know there's still 
> > hope for it.
> > 
> > on soprano:
> > i use an old HR Link #6 with la voz medium reeds and a rovner mark 
> III ligature. i've been 
> > using this setup for the past four years and still very happy with 
> it:  the feel, ease of playing,
> > projection, and flexibility of tone quality. my good reeds last an 
> average of one month!
> > 
> > vince
> >
> I would think your reeds would warp.But what ever works is great. I 
> use a selmer reed case that holds 10 reed I rotate my reeds every day 
> and they last a long time I also wet my reeds in rum before I play. I 
> never soak a reed to long that to me makes them sound dull
>







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I use the Fred Hemke method to close the reed pores,
basically sand them closed with a #600 paper. First
rub 2 pieces of sandpaper together to smooth them out,
then go from the heart to the tip until it's smooth. I
also use olive oil on the softer reeds, just wet them
with oil for a few minutes then wipe them off. Oiled
reeds play denser and seem to last longer, also they
are less sensitive to climate.  If you do the oil
before the sanding the oil will soak in deeper. The
sanding can be repeated almost every time the reed is
played cuz the pores swell up open again. I use soft
reeds for this 'cuz they don't seem to break in as
much over time.


visit with me at http://www.misterross.com

peter rawlings wrote:
<Don't your reeds get moldy/mildewy??>

yes, peter, i've been experiencing mildew on my reeds for the past few years, way before i 
started storing my reeds in a ziploc bag. i've been trying to alleviate this (but to no avail) 
by cleaning my reeds, mouthpieces and reed holders with soap, rinsing them, then 
sterilizing them in isopropyl alchohol. i'm not sure if the alchohol is ok.

to Jimmitch, Brent (ko4py) and Doug: thanks for your inputs on this matter. 

Brent, what i got from the drugstore was "hydrogen peroxide". they say its the same as 
peroxide. started using it today and will observe the results in the coming days. by the 
way, what can you say about using (isopropyl) alchohol to sterilize reeds and m'pieces? 

Doug, the "reed humidifier" sounds like something that'll hit the market soon, much like 
Rico's "Reed Vitalizer". 

vince








--- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "Doug Haining" <dhaining@...> wrote:
>
> I had a clarinet teacher once, named Cloyde Williams, principal of MN
> Orch. who showed me how to make a "reed humidifier" out of Tupperware.
> Get yourself a large Tupperware container, and fashion a "shelf" out of
> plastic to set the reeds on that will sit about 3 inches above the
> bottom of the container.  Then take sea salt and boil a solution of
> water and sea salt until it is super-saturated, then add a bunch more
> salt until it is sitting out of solution in the bottom of the pan.  Pour
> the whole thing, including the extra salt, into the bottom of the
> Tupperware, let it cool, add the shelf in, and you then can set your
> reeds on the shelf.  Cover the thing with the Tupperware lid.  Reeds
> stay humid, NEVER mildew, and are ready to go at any time.  It's not
> portable, because if you get the salt on the reed it's finished (clogs
> the pores).  But, it's a good way to store your reeds at home and then
> you take them out to use them on a gig, etc.  It worked great.  It's
> important to use sea salt, as iodized table salt did not prevent mildew.
>  
> Regarding synthetic reeds, try the Legere reeds.  They are pretty good.
>  
> Doug
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of ko4py
> Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2006 9:56 AM
> To: MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [MouthpieceWork] Re: my mouthpiece set ups
> 
> 
> Some things I have noticed about reeds along these lines ...
> 
> Reeds stored at high humidity (like in a zip loc bag, especially in
> summer) tend to milldew sometimes. This is particularly true of new
> reeds which still contain a fair amount of the monomer sugars from the
> growth of the cane. In the first few wettings, reeds lose several
> percent (up to 10%) of their weight as these monomer sugars and other
> water soluble stuff (minerals, microdust, etc) wash out. A long time
> ago, I did some studies on the effect of storing reeds at various
> humidities. Higher humidities were very good in terms of maintaining
> response and sound, but when it's too high, the reeds milldew,
> espacially new ones.
> 
> A good way to steralize reeds without degrading performance is to soak
> them a few minutes in a 50/50 mix of peroxide (3% solution from any
> drugstore) and tap water, then rinse with tap water. Store peroxide in
> the refrigerator to keep it from decomposing. If a reed mildews, or
> gets old and non-responsive, often peroxide will restore its
> performance (but it still may look bad due to discoloration.)
> 
> The surest way to warp a reed is to soak it too long, thus letting the
> water wick up through the xylems into the butt end of the reed. Only
> soak them briefly to wet the surface of the blade, but not long enough
> to wick up water into the xylems. A new clarinet reed typically weighs
> about 1.7 grams, but can wick up 200 to 500% or more of its weight in
> water if soaked long enough (like overnight). Once waterlogged, it
> takes many, many days for all the water to evaporate. During this
> time, its mass is higher than normal, thus it gives a sluggish
> response. I have studied the wetting and drying rates of reeds - old
> and new, and have lots of data on that somewhere. Once the reed has
> its "pores closed" the water no longer can wick into the xylems and
> therefore waterlogging and warping is not as likely to occur.
> 
> I have been meaning to experiment with various methods of closing the
> pores, like rubbing in a drop of vegatable or mineral oil, or
> glycerine. Most folks just rub the pores shut with their finger,
> filling them with oils and other crud from their hands. But I never
> got around to doing that experiment with oil. I once heard that
> somebody used mayonnaise, which is just a form of oil, to close the
> pores. Anybody have any info on various methods of closing pores?
> 
> Rotating reeds from day to day keeps them at a good moisture content
> and I have found that they perform better that way.
> 
> - Brent 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> --- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "jimmitch47" <jimmitch47@>
> wrote:
> >
> > --- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "vince lahorra" 
> > <vincelahorra@> wrote:
> > >
> > > on tenor:
> > > i use a new metal link #7 with la voz medium reeds. it did well for 
> > me. then it got better 
> > > when i started storing my reeds overnight in a zip-lock bag after 
> > washing them. i'm amazed 
> > > at the heightened projection and crispness i'm now capable of on 
> > tenor. this is definitely a 
> > > major sound breakthrough!
> > > 
> > > i also have a new HR (hard rubber) Link 6* that's practically 
> > unplayable. fails the suction test.  
> > > definitely leaky, definitely a dud! this is where MouthpieceWorks 
> > is a blessing. i checked out 
> > > the HR Link Rework photo album at the Mojo Mouthpiecework site. now 
> > i know there's still 
> > > hope for it.
> > > 
> > > on soprano:
> > > i use an old HR Link #6 with la voz medium reeds and a rovner mark 
> > III ligature. i've been 
> > > using this setup for the past four years and still very happy with 
> > it:  the feel, ease of playing,
> > > projection, and flexibility of tone quality. my good reeds last an 
> > average of one month!
> > > 
> > > vince
> > >
> > I would think your reeds would warp.But what ever works is great. I 
> > use a selmer reed case that holds 10 reed I rotate my reeds every day 
> > and they last a long time I also wet my reeds in rum before I play. I 
> > never soak a reed to long that to me makes them sound dull
> >
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Got a Mouthpiece Work question?  Send it to
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--- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "vince lahorra" 
<vincelahorra@...> wrote:
>Vince if your getting mold your reeds are to wet. Thats what I like 
about the selmer reed cases. My reeds never get mold on them they dry 
out and last. The heart never gets crushed like some reed holders 
do.I know one thing mold is not good for you or your reeds.
> peter rawlings wrote:
> <Don't your reeds get moldy/mildewy??>
> 
> yes, peter, i've been experiencing mildew on my reeds for the past 
few years, way before i 
> started storing my reeds in a ziploc bag. i've been trying to 
alleviate this (but to no avail) 
> by cleaning my reeds, mouthpieces and reed holders with soap, 
rinsing them, then 
> sterilizing them in isopropyl alchohol. i'm not sure if the 
alchohol is ok.
> 
> to Jimmitch, Brent (ko4py) and Doug: thanks for your inputs on this 
matter. 
> 
> Brent, what i got from the drugstore was "hydrogen peroxide". they 
say its the same as 
> peroxide. started using it today and will observe the results in 
the coming days. by the 
> way, what can you say about using (isopropyl) alchohol to sterilize 
reeds and m'pieces? 
> 
> Doug, the "reed humidifier" sounds like something that'll hit the 
market soon, much like 
> Rico's "Reed Vitalizer". 
> 
> vince
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> --- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "Doug Haining" <dhaining@> 
wrote:
> >
> > I had a clarinet teacher once, named Cloyde Williams, principal 
of MN
> > Orch. who showed me how to make a "reed humidifier" out of 
Tupperware.
> > Get yourself a large Tupperware container, and fashion a "shelf" 
out of
> > plastic to set the reeds on that will sit about 3 inches above the
> > bottom of the container.  Then take sea salt and boil a solution 
of
> > water and sea salt until it is super-saturated, then add a bunch 
more
> > salt until it is sitting out of solution in the bottom of the 
pan.  Pour
> > the whole thing, including the extra salt, into the bottom of the
> > Tupperware, let it cool, add the shelf in, and you then can set 
your
> > reeds on the shelf.  Cover the thing with the Tupperware lid.  
Reeds
> > stay humid, NEVER mildew, and are ready to go at any time.  It's 
not
> > portable, because if you get the salt on the reed it's finished 
(clogs
> > the pores).  But, it's a good way to store your reeds at home and 
then
> > you take them out to use them on a gig, etc.  It worked great.  
It's
> > important to use sea salt, as iodized table salt did not prevent 
mildew.
> >  
> > Regarding synthetic reeds, try the Legere reeds.  They are pretty 
good.
> >  
> > Doug
> > 
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com
> > [mailto:MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of ko4py
> > Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2006 9:56 AM
> > To: MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [MouthpieceWork] Re: my mouthpiece set ups
> > 
> > 
> > Some things I have noticed about reeds along these lines ...
> > 
> > Reeds stored at high humidity (like in a zip loc bag, especially 
in
> > summer) tend to milldew sometimes. This is particularly true of 
new
> > reeds which still contain a fair amount of the monomer sugars 
from the
> > growth of the cane. In the first few wettings, reeds lose several
> > percent (up to 10%) of their weight as these monomer sugars and 
other
> > water soluble stuff (minerals, microdust, etc) wash out. A long 
time
> > ago, I did some studies on the effect of storing reeds at various
> > humidities. Higher humidities were very good in terms of 
maintaining
> > response and sound, but when it's too high, the reeds milldew,
> > espacially new ones.
> > 
> > A good way to steralize reeds without degrading performance is to 
soak
> > them a few minutes in a 50/50 mix of peroxide (3% solution from 
any
> > drugstore) and tap water, then rinse with tap water. Store 
peroxide in
> > the refrigerator to keep it from decomposing. If a reed mildews, 
or
> > gets old and non-responsive, often peroxide will restore its
> > performance (but it still may look bad due to discoloration.)
> > 
> > The surest way to warp a reed is to soak it too long, thus 
letting the
> > water wick up through the xylems into the butt end of the reed. 
Only
> > soak them briefly to wet the surface of the blade, but not long 
enough
> > to wick up water into the xylems. A new clarinet reed typically 
weighs
> > about 1.7 grams, but can wick up 200 to 500% or more of its 
weight in
> > water if soaked long enough (like overnight). Once waterlogged, it
> > takes many, many days for all the water to evaporate. During this
> > time, its mass is higher than normal, thus it gives a sluggish
> > response. I have studied the wetting and drying rates of reeds - 
old
> > and new, and have lots of data on that somewhere. Once the reed 
has
> > its "pores closed" the water no longer can wick into the xylems 
and
> > therefore waterlogging and warping is not as likely to occur.
> > 
> > I have been meaning to experiment with various methods of closing 
the
> > pores, like rubbing in a drop of vegatable or mineral oil, or
> > glycerine. Most folks just rub the pores shut with their finger,
> > filling them with oils and other crud from their hands. But I 
never
> > got around to doing that experiment with oil. I once heard that
> > somebody used mayonnaise, which is just a form of oil, to close 
the
> > pores. Anybody have any info on various methods of closing pores?
> > 
> > Rotating reeds from day to day keeps them at a good moisture 
content
> > and I have found that they perform better that way.
> > 
> > - Brent 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > --- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "jimmitch47" <jimmitch47@>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > --- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "vince lahorra" 
> > > <vincelahorra@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > on tenor:
> > > > i use a new metal link #7 with la voz medium reeds. it did 
well for 
> > > me. then it got better 
> > > > when i started storing my reeds overnight in a zip-lock bag 
after 
> > > washing them. i'm amazed 
> > > > at the heightened projection and crispness i'm now capable of 
on 
> > > tenor. this is definitely a 
> > > > major sound breakthrough!
> > > > 
> > > > i also have a new HR (hard rubber) Link 6* that's practically 
> > > unplayable. fails the suction test.  
> > > > definitely leaky, definitely a dud! this is where 
MouthpieceWorks 
> > > is a blessing. i checked out 
> > > > the HR Link Rework photo album at the Mojo Mouthpiecework 
site. now 
> > > i know there's still 
> > > > hope for it.
> > > > 
> > > > on soprano:
> > > > i use an old HR Link #6 with la voz medium reeds and a rovner 
mark 
> > > III ligature. i've been 
> > > > using this setup for the past four years and still very happy 
with 
> > > it:  the feel, ease of playing,
> > > > projection, and flexibility of tone quality. my good reeds 
last an 
> > > average of one month!
> > > > 
> > > > vince
> > > >
> > > I would think your reeds would warp.But what ever works is 
great. I 
> > > use a selmer reed case that holds 10 reed I rotate my reeds 
every day 
> > > and they last a long time I also wet my reeds in rum before I 
play. I 
> > > never soak a reed to long that to me makes them sound dull
> > >
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > Got a Mouthpiece Work question?  Send it to
> > MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com
> > 
> > Visit the site at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MouthpieceWork to 
see
> > the Files, Photos and Bookmarks relating to Mouthpiece Work.
> > 
> > To see and modify your groups, go to 
http://groups.yahoo.com/mygroups 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > SPONSORED LINKS 
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> > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
t=ms&k=Wind+instrument&w1=Wind+instrument&
> > w2=Saxophone&w3=Soprano+saxophone&w4=Tenor+saxophone&w5=Clarinet
> +mouthpi
> > ece&c=5&s5&.sig=2UP4HwLGcDWRqZqAONmoGw> instrument 
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t=ms&k=Tenor+saxophone&w1=Wind+instrument&
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> +mouthpi
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> 	Clarinet
> > <http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
t=ms&k=Clarinet+mouthpiece&w1=Wind+instrum
> > 
ent&w2=Saxophone&w3=Soprano+saxophone&w4=Tenor+saxophone&w5=Clarinet
> +mou
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hi jimmitch,

thanks for your input as well. i didn't know selmer sells reed cases. i've seen the vandoren 
reed case that holds 4 reeds and includes a dessicant to absorb moisture and keep your 
reeds dry. where can i get the selmer reed case like yours?
vince


--- In MouthpieceWork@...m, "jimmitch47" <jimmitch47@...> wrote:

> >Vince if your getting mold your reeds are to wet. Thats what I like 
> about the selmer reed cases. My reeds never get mold on them they dry 
> out and last. The heart never gets crushed like some reed holders 
> do.I know one thing mold is not good for you or your reeds.

--- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "vince lahorra"
<vincelahorra@...> wrote:
>reed case <http://www.music123.com/Selmer-Reed-Case-i81421.music>   I
have 10 cases each for my alto and tenor reeds. I have rotated them
every day for over 2 years. All my reeds still play as good as when they
were new. I do break them in I think that helps them last.This is not
cheep but in the long run it's worth it.Don't forget the RUM!!  
mitchellstore <http://mitchellstore.com/index.html>
> hi jimmitch,
>
> thanks for your input as well. i didn't know selmer sells reed cases.
i've seen the vandoren
> reed case that holds 4 reeds and includes a dessicant to absorb
moisture and keep your
> reeds dry. where can i get the selmer reed case like yours?
> vince
>
>
> --- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "jimmitch47" jimmitch47@ wrote:
>
> > >Vince if your getting mold your reeds are to wet. Thats what I like
> > about the selmer reed cases. My reeds never get mold on them they
dry
> > out and last. The heart never gets crushed like some reed holders
> > do.I know one thing mold is not good for you or your reeds.
>

--- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "jimmitch47" <jimmitch47@...> 
wrote:
>I buy the ones that hold 10 reeds.
> 
> --- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "vince lahorra"
> <vincelahorra@> wrote:
> >reed case <http://www.music123.com/Selmer-Reed-Case-
i81421.music>   I
> have 10 cases each for my alto and tenor reeds. I have rotated them
> every day for over 2 years. All my reeds still play as good as when 
they
> were new. I do break them in I think that helps them last.This is 
not
> cheep but in the long run it's worth it.Don't forget the RUM!!  
> mitchellstore <http://mitchellstore.com/index.html>
> > hi jimmitch,
> >
> > thanks for your input as well. i didn't know selmer sells reed 
cases.
> i've seen the vandoren
> > reed case that holds 4 reeds and includes a dessicant to absorb
> moisture and keep your
> > reeds dry. where can i get the selmer reed case like yours?
> > vince
> >
> >
> > --- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "jimmitch47" jimmitch47@ 
wrote:
> >
> > > >Vince if your getting mold your reeds are to wet. Thats what I 
like
> > > about the selmer reed cases. My reeds never get mold on them 
they
> dry
> > > out and last. The heart never gets crushed like some reed 
holders
> > > do.I know one thing mold is not good for you or your reeds.
> >
>

As we all know, Serge Chaloff is the ultimate "white russian" and his 
solos were great!!!

jeff

--- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "drhaining" <dhaining@...> 
wrote:
>
> Let me guess - the more rum you soak them in, the better they 
sound?  
> Sorry man, I couldn't resist a chuckle when I read that!  That 
reminds 
> me of a story of the great tenor man Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, who 
used 
> to experiment with mixed drinks while he was on the Basie band - he 
> would put a tape recorder under his chair during dance jobs and 
record 
> himself after drinking various cocktail combinations.  He 
discovered 
> that Scotch and Milk produced the best solos.  That's no joke!  
What a 
> riot!
> 
> Doug
> 
> --- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "jimmitch47" <jimmitch47@> 
> wrote:
> > ...I also wet my reeds in rum before I play...
>

 wrote:
>
> As we all know, Serge Chaloff is the ultimate "white russian" and his 
> solos were great!!!
> 
> jeff
This is a popular thread. In the past I have used Dark Rum with a dash
of Pepermint to enhance the playing experience. I see this as having
redeeming properties.
The vapourising Rum(alcohol)sterilises the reed, mouthpiece and horn
while blowing, the pepermint clears the airways, especially if you
have a cold. The case benefits too, as it prevents it turning FOOSTY
as we say in Scotland. Now, then there is Whisky.............  Eddie
---------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> --- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "drhaining" <dhaining@> 
> wrote:
> >
> > Let me guess - the more rum you soak them in, the better they 
> sound?  
> > Sorry man, I couldn't resist a chuckle when I read that!  That 
> reminds 
> > me of a story of the great tenor man Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, who 
> used 
> > to experiment with mixed drinks while he was on the Basie band - he 
> > would put a tape recorder under his chair during dance jobs and 
> record 
> > himself after drinking various cocktail combinations.  He 
> discovered 
> > that Scotch and Milk produced the best solos.  That's no joke!  
> What a 
> > riot!
> > 
> > Doug
> > 
> > --- In MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com, "jimmitch47" <jimmitch47@> 
> > wrote:
> > > ...I also wet my reeds in rum before I play...
> >
>

I just use Fibracell.

Paul

Richard Ross wrote:

> I use the Fred Hemke method to close the reed pores,
> basically sand them closed with a #600 paper. First
> rub 2 pieces of sandpaper together to smooth them out,
> then go from the heart to the tip until it's smooth. I
> also use olive oil on the softer reeds, just wet them
> with oil for a few minutes then wipe them off. Oiled
> reeds play denser and seem to last longer, also they
> are less sensitive to climate.  If you do the oil
> before the sanding the oil will soak in deeper. The
> sanding can be repeated almost every time the reed is
> played cuz the pores swell up open again. I use soft
> reeds for this 'cuz they don't seem to break in as
> much over time.
>
>
> visit with me at http://www.misterross.com
>
>
>
> Got a Mouthpiece Work question?  Send it to MouthpieceWork@yahoogroups.com
>
> Visit the site at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MouthpieceWork to see 
> the Files, Photos and Bookmarks relating to Mouthpiece Work.
>
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>
>
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