I made a trade on this forum for a plastic chanter by a maker named Bob May. I had just about given up on it on its original reed when I tried a newer reed. It works great, even in the dried out winter weather here in New England. Is this just a case of a reed that happens to works well in 40% humidity? Or does the plastic create it’s own stability through humidity changes? I’ve heard of players who like penny chanters for the stability in different weather. But then I heard that David Dayes treats the reed with something (a lacquer?)So does the humidity effect the reed, chanter, or both at the same time?
I put Neats Foot Oil on my reed slips then tie them to a sanding block for a few days. I’ve even taken apart my favourite reeds and given them the Neats treatment. I find that my reeds are more stable, at least with extremes of cold - i.e. going from 20 C to -10 C and back. I’m looking forward to seeing how they perform with the heat and humidity this summer.