I haven’t been considering problems of dryness yet as I live in Paris. But it is quite dry (45 % relative humidity) and hot around here since summer is back.
My reed doesn’t like it so I manage to keep a fairly constant humidity in the reed storage box when I am not playing.
I put the reed in an open box for 3-4 hours in the bathroom just after a shower, relative humidity is about 80 %. Then the humidity in the box remains constant for more than 2 days, about 60-70 %, I check with a very small hygrometer. It did the trick : The reed is ready for a long play even in a dry place and then I put it back in its box. I just have to put the box with the reed back in the humid bathroom every 2 days and it works fine.
Has everyone ever tried this ? I’ve just been experiencing it for a few weeks. Could it ruin the reed ?
Welcome Mederick. In time, this practice may soften the reed… but then again, in time playing the reed will soften it. As long as it does not promote the growth of mold you should be OK.
I am of the school (for the most part) of letting the reed learn to live where it lives. Meaning, not fussing too much with humidity levels. There are enough other things to fuss with on the pipes.
My climate has it all, including months and months of indoor heating. My reeds (over time…if you have the time) survive and get less fussy over the years.
pipers pal container, good way to stabilize humidity. Made specially for GHB reeds , but works also with up reeds.
Check GHB retailers sites to check better.