Just got off the phone with BK Son of Silverstein, makers of Reed Cure. He wanted to clarify the purpose/function of the Reed Cure, and I felt it appropriate to share that here. The Reed Cure is not intended to kill mold or fungus that is already present on the reed. For that, use the H2O2 method (or vinegar, if you can handle that taste). The Reed Cure is intended to *prevent* the growth of harmful germs in already "clean" reeds. This is something I can't easily test, but you're welcome to try it at home - your mileage may vary :) The rest of the claims made on this product are something I can't speak to (rejuvenating tired reeds, etc.), but at least we can clear this up. Thanks, Mike
Earspasm Music hey man I have a very important question, i believe you can help me. Im an intermediate clarinet player who knows how to play Averagely in my wind ensemble band. Lately i cant fix this issue i have.. about every single time i play a note above a high c on my clarinet going into the altissimo register i squeak uncontrollably. This is very annoying as it limits my ability to play at the higher level. Any tips? Help? Please let me now asap
When you're playing higher on the register, don't add more pressure with your bottom jaw on the reed, even though you may feel the desire to increase support. I've done that quite a few times, and it causes me to squeak :(
Ant Vel Yeah, like Anything and Everything said, don't try to squeeze the notes out. You don't want any more pressure for an altissimo C than you would a low E. So always set your embouchure as if you will play low notes, even if you're going to be in the stratosphere. A little goes a long way. :)
Lol I don’t keep my reeds long enough for them to develop mold. I get bumped into a lot, and in my band there are often reed casualties. When ever people run into each other, they don’t ask if you are ok first, they say “oh sh!t did I break your reed” we care more about the instrument than each other lmao.
After watching Donna Schwartz's youtube on reed mold last year, I have been keeping my reeds in small water tight cases which are designed as id protective cases, or band aid cases. Both are water tight, and can be found in the sporting goods section for under $5-10. I put a bit of (generic) ORIGINAL Listerine in the bottom, and they hold a 4-reed Bari reed holder plus extras, or 8+ individual Bari reeds, depending upon which design you choose. The added benefit of this is that I always have a reed ready-to-play. Thanks again for another wonderful piece of Edutainment!
The reed that was in the hydrogen peroxide was swabbed on a sterile pad. The reeds that were in the Silverstein were swabbed on your table. The tablecloth needs to be tested to check if it's sterilized/cleaned. I would be interested in seeing the results of those reeds from the Silverstein if they were swabbed on a sterile pad. For the mouthpiece, I'd use a cotton swab to clean the inside. You can really get into the corners. Thanks for doing this video!
Can you test the effectiveness of vodka as a sterilizing agent? I've used it successfully in a reed humidifying case to maintain moist reeds without creating a bacteria farm. Or maybe it's time to switch to piano.
Oh gosh I wonder what the numbers would be for my Clarinet and Bass Clarinet Reeds and Mouth Pieces would be. I don't want to find out, especially since the Bass Clarinet I'm using is a school instrument. I wonder what the numbers would be on school instruments
I tried vodka. It turned the reeds into bendy rubbery dead things. You know , when you try and break it but it just bends. Maybe I soaked it to long? Still what's the BENDY_REED_SYNDROME all about anyway?
This video has really helped me! I got sick last August, but after I cleaned all of my reeds and mouthpiece with hydrogen peroxide, I started to feel better. Thank you for uploading this video!
I loved your videos. May I suggest you do not place your reed on the table, cause it's contaminated by others reeds. Suggestion #2: use separated swabs for each side of the reed, cause the flat side maybe gets less mold. I know that's is an old video from 2017, but it's a little tip for a great player. Thank you so much for your tip and experience.
What about Listerine? I keep my reeds in a container that has enough Listerine in it that the reeds stay a bit moist. IF I let it begin to dry out, then I see some white mold on the reeds. If I keep enough Listerine in there, they seem to remain clean.
I haven't had any problem with the peroxide destroying the reed. Does it change it? Well, does having mold eat away at it change it? (It's hard to say what the science is)
I tried soaking old reeds in water and vinegar (if it cleans the mouthpiece from that white stuff it should clean the same stuff that collects into the reed) and it kinda works, the stuffy sound of an old reed was reduced but I think that in some way it "burns" the reed, i don't really know, once it's been cleaned it's still an old reed, and also depends on how old the reed is, there are some reeds that could work for an extra week and some reeds that won't work at all ike before the vinegar.
I mean, if you try to put vinegar on raw chicken it will cook instantly and turn white under your eyes, I don't know what are the effects on a piece of wood.
You are testing for ATP right? The H2O2 will probably oxidize it and others things, so it will no measure it right. Will kill bacteria yep. But the uv light will kill then too (breaking its DNA), it will not remove the ATP tough, so you will measure it. So it's not because you got a big number on the reedcurer's reed that there is still (alive) bacterias on your reed. Now the question, won't H2O2 change the reed proprieties? Like weakining the wood or something?
Haven't had issues with H2O2 changing the reed too much-at least not that I've noticed. But the H2O2 isn't something you would do every day or even every week.
I think what he means to say is that the H2O2 kills bacteria and also washes the junk off the reed, while the UV light will just kill bacteria, leaving the traces on reed still. What I would have done is rinse/wipe both reeds and then let them both sit for a while and see which one has more growth.
Can you please make a video of you playing the Alto Clarinet? They never get any love, and I'd LOVE to hear you play the Alto Clarinet because I know you will make such a beautiful sound on it!
I use Reedjuvinate reed cases which stores the reeds in a closed container that contains some original Listerol as the sterilizer. I always have moist reeds ready to play.The reeds last longer and are always clean.
What I think is important to state is that if you don't have hydrogen peroxide and you're thinking about using branded mouthpiece cleaner (which we now know after this video is just a more expensive solution compared to the hydrogen peroxide), MAKE SURE it is not alcohol-based. Mi-T-Mist, the popular green mouthpiece cleaner in a spray bottle, contains alcohol and will affect the color of your rubber mouthpieces (it even says so on the back of the bottle). I'm really glad I know about the simple H2O2 method now.
Bro-You gotta clean that mouthpiece as soon as you are finished or when you take more than a 20 minute break. There is build up of calcium on/in the piece as soon as it starts to dry. Then you have soak it in vinegar and use a brush. Just clean it right away. You will be happy. I was a sinner once but am saved and cleaning. Thanks for your wonderfully informative and humorous vlogs.
Hi, This is a great video, sad I've only just now discovered it. I play the pipes, so, thank goodness, no reed touching my mouth. But it can still be a problem in the condition and duration of the reed. I'll start following your channel a bit more Cheers, from the Costa del Sol
Really fascinating video! I clean my mouthpieces in a vinegar/water solution. I'd be very interested to see how vinegar would compare to the hydrogen peroxide.
I wonder if the reedcure works at killing bacteria but they are not removed? soaking them in H2O2 not only kills them, but allows for bacteria to dilute into the liquid
Noah Stone I think the molecules that are detected by the testing device that he has are only produced by live microbes, so the reedcure doesn't kill them. Also, a little UV isn't enough to kill a hardened fungus; we're drenched in UV from the sun every day.
I heard a story of someone with a heart condition dying from a lip piercing just because of the normal level of bacteria messing with it. Those reeds would have been a death sentence.
I really enjoyed this video, I wondered if you had any tips for preventing reed mold (I soak them in hydrogen peroxide but it only helps so much) in elementary school and Jr. High I never had reed mold problems, I just left them in the plastic case inside my instrument (still do) I've tried the plastic bag and I play on V12's and they aren't cheap. I'd appreciate any tips you have
Heart failure is terrifying. I stopped playing, because I was tired of having a sore throat from body and neck mold (in my sax). Still need to figure out proper cleaning. My keys are out if line, so I don't play much anymore.
I use Reedjuvinate containers to store my reeds in a bit of original LIsterol liquid. Always have sterile reeds and moist reeds ready to play as soon as they are out of the case. The reeds also last longer because they do not go through wetting and drying cycles.
Earspasm Music Just a quick question? I know and "Old Pro" That strongly believes in using Denture cleaning tablets on his mouthpieces and reeds. Have you ever heard of that and ever considered testing for it? They are dry and easy to keep in a case but I am not sure if that is effective. ( Sadly, I was a Praise Orchestra Musician but they have cut back to a "Glee Club" Type of Service now and the Rhythm section had a leader that just took over. So they axed the horns to "Save Money" because some were Union members and got paid. And instead they pay more for the Bass players band friends to come come sit in as he likes, And is no longer having to set up the stage for all the horn players he was getting full time job. Now they only want horns for annual events and expect them all to be ready to play then. (But none that get paid) If they need solo horns they just go to union book for hired horns. So overall, they are paying the same or more but took over control. So it's just a way to take over and do less work for them now. But they do get to test new songs nobody knows ! So more like playing a concert booking for them. And the leaders of the Glee Club get offices often! So they also have a place to be seen and heard to get other gigs on the side. Every service is looking like a tryout now.)
I'm also curious about how well alcohol sanitizes reeds. I have an oboe playing roommate and to keep reeds clean he will give em a quick dunk in tequila. I also know a bassoonist who occasionally soaked her reeds in wine. but that just might be for flavor;) but anyway if you still have that device it would be interesting to see how well alcohol sanitizes.
I think I will keep rubbing alcohol pads in my case. I use Legere reeds I feel comfortable in using the pads on both my reeds and mouthpiece. Plus they are easier to carry than the hydrogen peroxide. Not surprised about the toilet.
I'd be interested to see a comparison of the H2O2 treatment vs. what I use, which is a mixture of half Listerine and half water. You mentioned below that you wouldn't do a lengthy soak in H2O2 every day. I do soak my mouthpiece and reed before I play almost every time for just a couple of minutes in a tiny two-inch cup to moisten the reed and (I hope) to avoid nastiness.
just saying, just because it is a high number does not mean it's dangerous, heck the probiotic in a yougurt would have more than 10000 rlu, but than is just the probiotic. if you just put atp in it it would be super high (that's like saying measuring the water content of water) atp is just a chemical so it would accualy be steral. it is a good rule of thumb but doesn't not nessisaraly mean that it's bad(though it is mostly.) edit: the 4 from the clean reed might just be from the tree/cane's energy thing since it was living.
I've always been told that it's not good for reeds to soak them for that long (everyone tells me to not soak them for more than a minute, and that's just with water). They still work for you fine?
I use a small plastic cup to soak the reeds, and, well, i change the water every now and then. I just wanted to use it again when I saw some "green spots" on the cup. x_x I immediately went to drugstore and bought my hydrogen peroxid.
Funny video but somewhat informative. I use Everclear alcohol to soak my reeds! I find the taste less objectionable than H2O2 and it evaporates quickly. Reusable too. Also, I keep a Boveda humidipak in with them to regulate the humidity. I have to point out the part where Michael is wearing sterile gloves and touching the outside of the Vandoren package as well as the times where he places the reeds on the non-sterile table cloth before swabbing. Thankfully, the table cloth must've been pretty clean itself. Bad scientific procedure! Tisk, tisk.
My mom just threw my last reed in the trash can and I have band auditions due at the end of the day and I can't go out and buy reeds because of the pandemic and there isn't Amazon Prime shipping for the reeds
Hey Michael, I'm a long time subscriber to your channel and I was wondering, you you play other instruments besides clarinet/bass clarinet like sax or flute?
40 years as a dental hygienist we've done similar tests on toothbrushes. Reeds are fibrous just like the bristles on a toothbrush and wick moisture and bacteria. Surface cleaning is insufficient and light treatments only affect areas allowing light penetration. A new toothbrush is no more sterile than a new reed. Just throw them out. The idea of keeping either for months is disgusting. Now, until they manufacture nylon autoclaveable mouthpieces we will be left with sanitizing (not sterilization) for these. I will remind you of the disease that can be potentially lethal to bagpipe players. Think I'll steer my grandchildren into string instruments.
Im looking to buy a new bass clarinet, any suggestions. I am a freshman in college and i am in a position to spend a little money on a new instrument, looking for something in the midrange that is a good price
awsometaco0611 in terms of good bass clarinet there really isn't a middle of the road option. There are student Bundy/Vito instruments for under 1,000 but they aren't that great. but if you're in college the next step up instruments are the Ubel and Yamaha low C instruments for around 9K. But if you're spending that kind of money you might consider the top buffet and Selmer (11-13K range). Personally I'd go for the Selmer if I had the money. I suppose you could also take a gamble on a used pro instrument online. or the Ridenour low C with it's soft keys. ...hope this helps?
Geronimo Thanks for the advice, i missed it yesterday but I will definately look into the 9k option, I might try and save up for a 12k-15k but that might be in about 4 months if I do shoot for that option. Earspam Music Thank you for the reply, im glad you backed up his response because it made me even more sure about his comment.
Something terrible happened with my clarinet and I only noticed today. I spent three months without playing it and when I opened the case the clarinet was full of fungus white spots. I cleaned it with bleach, but I'm too scared to have fungus spores inside the wood. How do I kill fungi from inside the wood? I'm too scared to play it now and get some disease. What should I do?
Thaís Pachêco okay. So this is serious and requires a professional help you. You will need to take this to a qualified repair person to have them help you. You will likely need to replace ALL of the pads and corks, and you will need to replace the case immediately. Bleaching the instrument was a big mistake (so all of you thinking of doing this, don’t!). Please do not handle this yourself.
When I heard this man say that his toilet was cleaner than his reed, I LITERALLY TOOK OUT MY EARPHONES, AND WALKED OUT OF THE ROOM (I AM STILL SAYING HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?!?!) How!?!?!?!
Just got off the phone with BK Son of Silverstein, makers of Reed Cure. He wanted to clarify the purpose/function of the Reed Cure, and I felt it appropriate to share that here. The Reed Cure is not intended to kill mold or fungus that is already present on the reed. For that, use the H2O2 method (or vinegar, if you can handle that taste). The Reed Cure is intended to *prevent* the growth of harmful germs in already "clean" reeds. This is something I can't easily test, but you're welcome to try it at home - your mileage may vary :)
The rest of the claims made on this product are something I can't speak to (rejuvenating tired reeds, etc.), but at least we can clear this up.
Thanks,
Mike
Earspasm Music
hey man I have a very important question, i believe you can help me.
Im an intermediate clarinet player who knows how to play Averagely in my wind ensemble band. Lately i cant fix this issue i have..
about every single time i play a note above a high c on my clarinet going into the altissimo register i squeak uncontrollably. This is very annoying as it limits my ability to play at the higher level.
Any tips? Help? Please let me now asap
When you're playing higher on the register, don't add more pressure with your bottom jaw on the reed, even though you may feel the desire to increase support. I've done that quite a few times, and it causes me to squeak :(
Earspasm Music oh
Ant Vel Yeah, like Anything and Everything said, don't try to squeeze the notes out. You don't want any more pressure for an altissimo C than you would a low E. So always set your embouchure as if you will play low notes, even if you're going to be in the stratosphere. A little goes a long way. :)
Did they threaten to sue you? Personally, I'm rather tired of their overpriced pseudo-science.
That does it! I am switching from woodwind to brass and boiling my instrument after practice. Or maybe I'll learn to play the toilet.
Im switching to woodwind from brass........the entire inside of my trumpet is growing green stuff
@@user-wi2pq9hr1o you eat in class dont you
@@user-wi2pq9hr1o my gag reflex took over just IMAGINING THAT
that's a great exscuse to not play
100$ Reed cleaner vs 2$ hydrogen peroxide
peroxide wins...
I play bass clarinet... and I always wondered what the green stuff was
I don't think I should be living anymore
Dracoburst Click Bait Master what do you, "always wondered"? Dude! I was taught about reed mold when I first got my clarinet lol 😂.
Man's got mushrooms growing out the bell
Lol I don’t keep my reeds long enough for them to develop mold. I get bumped into a lot, and in my band there are often reed casualties. When ever people run into each other, they don’t ask if you are ok first, they say “oh sh!t did I break your reed” we care more about the instrument than each other lmao.
Yea cus that thing's expensive 😅
7:31 maybe that reed gets dirty again when it touches the table?
After watching Donna Schwartz's youtube on reed mold last year, I have been keeping my reeds in small water tight cases which are designed as id protective cases, or band aid cases. Both are water tight, and can be found in the sporting goods section for under $5-10. I put a bit of (generic) ORIGINAL Listerine in the bottom, and they hold a 4-reed Bari reed holder plus extras, or 8+ individual Bari reeds, depending upon which design you choose. The added benefit of this is that I always have a reed ready-to-play. Thanks again for another wonderful piece of Edutainment!
The reed that was in the hydrogen peroxide was swabbed on a sterile pad. The reeds that were in the Silverstein were swabbed on your table. The tablecloth needs to be tested to check if it's sterilized/cleaned. I would be interested in seeing the results of those reeds from the Silverstein if they were swabbed on a sterile pad. For the mouthpiece, I'd use a cotton swab to clean the inside. You can really get into the corners. Thanks for doing this video!
Can you test the effectiveness of vodka as a sterilizing agent? I've used it successfully in a reed humidifying case to maintain moist reeds without creating a bacteria farm.
Or maybe it's time to switch to piano.
I personally think Bourbon, especially double-oaked, is ideal. Oh wait, that's in my drink.
Apply to reeds via mouth.
Oh gosh I wonder what the numbers would be for my Clarinet and Bass Clarinet Reeds and Mouth Pieces would be. I don't want to find out, especially since the Bass Clarinet I'm using is a school instrument. I wonder what the numbers would be on school instruments
I tried vodka. It turned the reeds into bendy rubbery dead things. You know , when you try and break it but it just bends. Maybe I soaked it to long? Still what's the BENDY_REED_SYNDROME all about anyway?
Uhhmmm ew piano is like the last choice
This video has really helped me! I got sick last August, but after I cleaned all of my reeds and mouthpiece with hydrogen peroxide, I started to feel better. Thank you for uploading this video!
I used your video to convince my science teacher to buy that Luminometer for our science department 😂😂
Your channel is soooo interesting. And relevant. And fun!
I loved your videos. May I suggest you do not place your reed on the table, cause it's contaminated by others reeds. Suggestion #2: use separated swabs for each side of the reed, cause the flat side maybe gets less mold. I know that's is an old video from 2017, but it's a little tip for a great player. Thank you so much for your tip and experience.
What about Listerine? I keep my reeds in a container that has enough Listerine in it that the reeds stay a bit moist. IF I let it begin to dry out, then I see some white mold on the reeds. If I keep enough Listerine in there, they seem to remain clean.
Wow! very impressive! I think I'll brush my teeth more often and especially before I practice my clarinet! :)
I love how Silverstein put a disclaimer on their Facebook page about fungi after this video came out
Chris G I don't think they ever planned on it being used on reeds that have had mold grow on it on purpose over the course of months.
I would have liked to seen you run the test on the inside of the instrument to see what the number would be
7:31 I noticed you didn’t put the reed on the sterile sponge.
Thank you for the video. Very scientific and eye opening.
Very informative and scientific. Thanks for sharing.
I love you man! Thanks for sharing some light.
I gotta say one thing-I love his glasses
Does the hydrogen peroxide affect how the reeds play? Does it break down the cane at all?
Excellent question. I would like to know the science behind that.
I haven't had any problem with the peroxide destroying the reed. Does it change it? Well, does having mold eat away at it change it? (It's hard to say what the science is)
I tried soaking old reeds in water and vinegar (if it cleans the mouthpiece from that white stuff it should clean the same stuff that collects into the reed) and it kinda works, the stuffy sound of an old reed was reduced but I think that in some way it "burns" the reed, i don't really know, once it's been cleaned it's still an old reed, and also depends on how old the reed is, there are some reeds that could work for an extra week and some reeds that won't work at all ike before the vinegar.
I mean, if you try to put vinegar on raw chicken it will cook instantly and turn white under your eyes, I don't know what are the effects on a piece of wood.
Michael Lowenstern, such a fun guy (fungi)!! :)
clarinetress Hahahahaha...
no.
I wish he had tested the reedcure on a normal in use reed.
Cool video but you did not clean the table and the gloves between the differents reeds.
I had so much fun! Great video. :) All I need now is to soak my old Meyerowitz on this, I hope it doesn't vanish...
You are testing for ATP right? The H2O2 will probably oxidize it and others things, so it will no measure it right. Will kill bacteria yep. But the uv light will kill then too (breaking its DNA), it will not remove the ATP tough, so you will measure it.
So it's not because you got a big number on the reedcurer's reed that there is still (alive) bacterias on your reed.
Now the question, won't H2O2 change the reed proprieties? Like weakining the wood or something?
Haven't had issues with H2O2 changing the reed too much-at least not that I've noticed. But the H2O2 isn't something you would do every day or even every week.
I think what he means to say is that the H2O2 kills bacteria and also washes the junk off the reed, while the UV light will just kill bacteria, leaving the traces on reed still. What I would have done is rinse/wipe both reeds and then let them both sit for a while and see which one has more growth.
ATP is only present in living things. So if the bacteria is dead, it the Luminometer won't register any ATP.
ATP is only produced by living cells, but that doesn't mean the molecules will disappear once the cell dies.
So does the H2O2 wash away something that UV doesn't? If I put the post-UV reed in water would it register the same as the H2O2?
NOW this made so much sense on how I got sick way too often during music school years....
Can you please make a video of you playing the Alto Clarinet? They never get any love, and I'd LOVE to hear you play the Alto Clarinet because I know you will make such a beautiful sound on it!
I'm afraid I don't have an Alto clarinet. (And I don't have access to one!)
thanks for the tip. What is that music you use to pass time like while in a waiting room? Or like 1950s news clips.
You put the reeds first on the contaminated table and then swab them. That can't be right.
I use Reedjuvinate reed cases which stores the reeds in a closed container that contains some original Listerol as the sterilizer. I always have moist reeds ready to play.The reeds last longer and are always clean.
What I think is important to state is that if you don't have hydrogen peroxide and you're thinking about using branded mouthpiece cleaner (which we now know after this video is just a more expensive solution compared to the hydrogen peroxide), MAKE SURE it is not alcohol-based. Mi-T-Mist, the popular green mouthpiece cleaner in a spray bottle, contains alcohol and will affect the color of your rubber mouthpieces (it even says so on the back of the bottle). I'm really glad I know about the simple H2O2 method now.
Jiggle it? "Shake it like a polaroid"!
Thanks for this video, my reids have grown mold like 2x and i didn't know what to do until I came here 😄
Bro-You gotta clean that mouthpiece as soon as you are finished or when you take more than a 20 minute break. There is build up of
calcium on/in the piece as soon as it starts to dry. Then you have soak it in vinegar and use a brush. Just clean it right away. You will
be happy. I was a sinner once but am saved and cleaning.
Thanks for your wonderfully informative and humorous vlogs.
I've also used a generic polder on reeds and mouthpiece. Haven't had the gear to measure the numbers.
I used to know a guy who never cleaned his mouthpiece. Ever.
Ditto. White crusty calcium all over the outside, never had the nerve to look inside. 🤮
Used to?
...oh
Hi, This is a great video, sad I've only just now discovered it.
I play the pipes, so, thank goodness, no reed touching my mouth.
But it can still be a problem in the condition and duration of the
reed.
I'll start following your channel a bit more
Cheers,
from the Costa del Sol
as a woman with fancy glasses i must say yours are top notch sir love them :)
After watching this... I'm absolutely mortified by the reeds I put in my mouth earlier. Time for a deep cleaning. Thanks for saving my mouth.
Really fascinating video! I clean my mouthpieces in a vinegar/water solution. I'd be very interested to see how vinegar would compare to the hydrogen peroxide.
Very interesting indeed. Thanks
Did anybody ask how the H2O2-soaked reeds sounded or responded when played?
As for the mouthpiece, a piece of Q-tip (cotton bud) soaked in H2O2, followed by a rinse under a running tap probably works best.
I’ve been rinsing the mouthpiece and reed under a running water immediately after stop playing saxophone. Then, I dry them out by wiping with tissues.
I wonder if the reedcure works at killing bacteria but they are not removed? soaking them in H2O2 not only kills them, but allows for bacteria to dilute into the liquid
Noah Stone
I think the molecules that are detected by the testing device that he has are only produced by live microbes, so the reedcure doesn't kill them. Also, a little UV isn't enough to kill a hardened fungus; we're drenched in UV from the sun every day.
So basically, I should drench my saxes and clarinets in a tub hydrogen peroxide
…and then there’s me, who washes the mold off the reed and uses it anyway
Great job with this video!
I'm glad that I made it to the end, hu
My gosh, thank you! This will be so helpful!
I heard a story of someone with a heart condition dying from a lip piercing just because of the normal level of bacteria messing with it. Those reeds would have been a death sentence.
I really enjoyed this video, I wondered if you had any tips for preventing reed mold (I soak them in hydrogen peroxide but it only helps so much) in elementary school and Jr. High I never had reed mold problems, I just left them in the plastic case inside my instrument (still do) I've tried the plastic bag and I play on V12's and they aren't cheap. I'd appreciate any tips you have
Heart failure is terrifying. I stopped playing, because I was tired of having a sore throat from body and neck mold (in my sax). Still need to figure out proper cleaning. My keys are out if line, so I don't play much anymore.
This felt like an add for hydrogen peroxide lol
I use Reedjuvinate containers to store my reeds in a bit of original LIsterol liquid. Always have sterile reeds and moist reeds ready to play as soon as they are out of the case. The reeds also last longer because they do not go through wetting and drying cycles.
What was the first background track?
Aaaaaaaaaaaaand that is why I use plastic reeds. Nice video. Time to clean everything I own.
Earspasm Music
Just a quick question?
I know and "Old Pro" That strongly believes in using Denture cleaning tablets on his mouthpieces and reeds. Have you ever heard of that and ever considered testing for it? They are dry and easy to keep in a case but I am not sure if that is effective.
( Sadly, I was a Praise Orchestra Musician but they have cut back to a "Glee Club" Type of Service now and the Rhythm section had a leader that just took over. So they axed the horns to "Save Money" because some were Union members and got paid. And instead they pay more for the Bass players band friends to come come sit in as he likes, And is no longer having to set up the stage for all the horn players he was getting full time job.
Now they only want horns for annual events and expect them all to be ready to play then. (But none that get paid) If they need solo horns they just go to union book for hired horns.
So overall, they are paying the same or more but took over control. So it's just a way to take over and do less work for them now. But they do get to test new songs nobody knows ! So more like playing a concert booking for them. And the leaders of the Glee Club get offices often! So they also have a place to be seen and heard to get other gigs on the side. Every service is looking like a tryout now.)
I'm also curious about how well alcohol sanitizes reeds. I have an oboe playing roommate and to keep reeds clean he will give em a quick dunk in tequila. I also know a bassoonist who occasionally soaked her reeds in wine. but that just might be for flavor;)
but anyway if you still have that device it would be interesting to see how well alcohol sanitizes.
Geronimo clever roommate... XD
Geronimo im a bassoonist and i clean my reeds with 70% alcohol and it work pretty well, also i used it in the bocal and the soaking cup.
I think the wine might have a lot of other stuff in it too like tannins and sugars, that wouldn't be too reed friendly.
very very clever, very very funny and very very educational. I'm gonna' tell all the parents I know whose kids play music
I think I will keep rubbing alcohol pads in my case. I use Legere reeds I feel comfortable in using the pads on both my reeds and mouthpiece. Plus they are easier to carry than the hydrogen peroxide. Not surprised about the toilet.
Thanks for the tip!
What would happen if you left you're reed in hydrogen peroxide for over 24hrs?
Two dollars is better than a hundred
I'd be interested to see a comparison of the H2O2 treatment vs. what I use, which is a mixture of half Listerine and half water. You mentioned below that you wouldn't do a lengthy soak in H2O2 every day. I do soak my mouthpiece and reed before I play almost every time for just a couple of minutes in a tiny two-inch cup to moisten the reed and (I hope) to avoid nastiness.
I bet the Listerine works!
*slowely pulls out bottle of hydrogen peroxide and sheds a tear for my uncleanliness *
Would this work for moldy reeds too
I have a kid at school named Isaiah Scott whose read was almost black on soprano clarinet
just saying, just because it is a high number does not mean it's dangerous, heck the probiotic in a yougurt would have more than 10000 rlu, but than is just the probiotic. if you just put atp in it it would be super high (that's like saying measuring the water content of water) atp is just a chemical so it would accualy be steral. it is a good rule of thumb but doesn't not nessisaraly mean that it's bad(though it is mostly.)
edit: the 4 from the clean reed might just be from the tree/cane's energy thing since it was living.
I've always been told that it's not good for reeds to soak them for that long (everyone tells me to not soak them for more than a minute, and that's just with water). They still work for you fine?
I use a small plastic cup to soak the reeds, and, well, i change the water every now and then. I just wanted to use it again when I saw some "green spots" on the cup. x_x
I immediately went to drugstore and bought my hydrogen peroxid.
Your glasses are amazing!
Very informative video
id like to kw if u could use rubbing alcohol i wouldn't want to damage my reed or mouth piece
That's what I call "swamp reed"
what strength hydrogen peroxide solution are you using? great video thanks!
straight from the bottle-whatever that is. 3%?
Funny video but somewhat informative. I use Everclear alcohol to soak my reeds! I find the taste less objectionable than H2O2 and it evaporates quickly. Reusable too. Also, I keep a Boveda humidipak in with them to regulate the humidity. I have to point out the part where Michael is wearing sterile gloves and touching the outside of the Vandoren package as well as the times where he places the reeds on the non-sterile table cloth before swabbing. Thankfully, the table cloth must've been pretty clean itself. Bad scientific procedure! Tisk, tisk.
I got a D in chemistry.
Did you play at NJSO w/ Karl Herman? Wasn't he a Chem Major at CMU? I hope he wasn't the heart valve guy! I wonder how he cleans his reeds!
Earspasm Music A sign of a true musician.
Well, guess I'm cleaning my mouthpieces.
Do you play contra clarinet as well
As an oboist, this has use for reeds I make for others perhaps.
My mom just threw my last reed in the trash can and I have band auditions due at the end of the day and I can't go out and buy reeds because of the pandemic and there isn't Amazon Prime shipping for the reeds
How bad do you think mine would be I've been playing it for a year-and-a-half
Was the tablecloth sterile?
Is there a visible difference in the reeds after using H2O2?
Would the H2O2 not damage the reeds?
Nope.
Hey Michael, I'm a long time subscriber to your channel and I was wondering, you you play other instruments besides clarinet/bass clarinet like sax or flute?
I play a little sax, but never in public!
My clarinet kind of smells. What shpuld i do?
The water comes out of that part of the toilet, the only thing that would make it dirty is splashing.
Does hydrogen peroxide kill the mold? I want to try this on my double reeds
40 years as a dental hygienist we've done similar tests on toothbrushes. Reeds are fibrous just like the bristles on a toothbrush and wick moisture and bacteria. Surface cleaning is insufficient and light treatments only affect areas allowing light penetration. A new toothbrush is no more sterile than a new reed. Just throw them out. The idea of keeping either for months is disgusting. Now, until they manufacture nylon autoclaveable mouthpieces we will be left with sanitizing (not sterilization) for these. I will remind you of the disease that can be potentially lethal to bagpipe players. Think I'll steer my grandchildren into string instruments.
Bassoonist here... Soak it in vodka for a few hours
Im looking to buy a new bass clarinet, any suggestions. I am a freshman in college and i am in a position to spend a little money on a new instrument, looking for something in the midrange that is a good price
awsometaco0611 in terms of good bass clarinet there really isn't a middle of the road option. There are student Bundy/Vito instruments for under 1,000 but they aren't that great.
but if you're in college the next step up instruments are the Ubel and Yamaha low C instruments for around 9K. But if you're spending that kind of money you might consider the top buffet and Selmer (11-13K range). Personally I'd go for the Selmer if I had the money.
I suppose you could also take a gamble on a used pro instrument online. or the Ridenour low C with it's soft keys. ...hope this helps?
I 100% agree with Geronimo. Thanks for answering-you're hired.
Geronimo Thanks for the advice, i missed it yesterday but I will definately look into the 9k option, I might try and save up for a 12k-15k but that might be in about 4 months if I do shoot for that option. Earspam Music Thank you for the reply, im glad you backed up his response because it made me even more sure about his comment.
Earspasm Music No problem boss, glad to help.
Would it be safe to soak a mouthpiece in hydrogen peroxide instead of gently rubbing it?
Something terrible happened with my clarinet and I only noticed today. I spent three months without playing it and when I opened the case the clarinet was full of fungus white spots. I cleaned it with bleach, but I'm too scared to have fungus spores inside the wood. How do I kill fungi from inside the wood? I'm too scared to play it now and get some disease. What should I do?
Thaís Pachêco okay. So this is serious and requires a professional help you. You will need to take this to a qualified repair person to have them help you. You will likely need to replace ALL of the pads and corks, and you will need to replace the case immediately. Bleaching the instrument was a big mistake (so all of you thinking of doing this, don’t!). Please do not handle this yourself.
I’m playing and what drains my reeds more are my braces cutting the reed (rip new reeds)
Hi. I play Bass clarinet (4 years now) and have a question, how long did you have the reed in the hydrogen peroxide?
Spiderman 007 about 15 minutes
why I use legere reeds
This guy is hilarious. A nice tall glass of hydrogen peroxide.
When I heard this man say that his toilet was cleaner than his reed, I LITERALLY TOOK OUT MY EARPHONES, AND WALKED OUT OF THE ROOM (I AM STILL SAYING HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?!?!) How!?!?!?!