Care and feeding of your reed

[Gandalfe]

Due to their natural composition, wooden musical reeds may hold bacteria or mold, which can affect one's health and the quality of sound produced. Some of the basic instruments that use wooden reeds include the clarinet, saxophone, oboe and bassoon. Proper care of reeds will extend their longevity and control bacterial growth.

Read (reed) more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wooden_reed_care

 

[retread]

My first reaction was that Chicken Little wrote the Wiki entry. Then I realized that all reed players die.

 

[pete]

The surgeon general has determined that life is a major cause of death.

 

[Carl H.]

The surgeon general has determined that life is a major cause of death.

It has been determined that almost everyone who died was breathing immediately before they died.

Hold your breath for a long life!

 

[pete]

More on-topic, I do remember my beginning clarinet instructor, way back when I was eight-ish, say something to the effect of, "Don't let anyone else use your mouthpiece. A friend-of-a-friend did that. He got this horrible disease where part of his face was eaten off. He now talks through a hole in his throat."

I remember dunking reeds in mouthwash for a bit before using them. However, that can soak the reed too much and/or the mouthwash smell will make you salivate too much. I did switch to rubbing alcohol for awhile ....

 

[CaptForce]

The surgeon general has determined that life is a major cause of death.

The latest research confirms that life is sexually transmitted!

 

[Helen]

The latest research confirms that life is sexually transmitted!

Love it!!!!