Introduction...
Background...
Treatment Theory...
Application...
Biographical Note...

Introduction...

As woodwind players we are all familiar with life limitations of our reeds. A favorite reed may begin to lose its tone quality, pitch stability, and dynamic range as tell-tale signs of initial reed deterioration. In order to promote better life and performance in reeds, a number of proprietary treatments for cane have been developed by the author in recent years. these treatments evolved from research conducted on the chemical nature and physical properties of cane. The emphasis of this research was to develop appropriate methods of modifying the cane composition at the molecular level in order to stabilize it against normal degradation; e.g., by the natural enzymes present in saliva, etc.

To date, a treatment referred to as Bifunctional Coupling (BFC) has emerged as the most effective one for modifying the natural cane, while retaining and even improving its desirable properties for reeds. Although the process has not received extensive evaluation, the status of this work is being presented to my colleagues of the oboe as information, hoping to arouse their interest. Special thanks are also in order to those who have participated in evaluating the processed cane during its development.

Background...

In the past, a number of reed treatments have been devised, many based on saturating the reed with lacquers, silicones, etc. to inhibit moisture absorption. Most of us are familiar with reed degradation due to excess moisture retention and the resultant bio-activity. Such treatments as these have met with little more than passing interest by the reed playing community because the processes frequently were ineffective and/or resulted in a deterioration of playing qualities, effecting response, tone quality, and pitch stability. Keeping reeds scrupulously clean and dry has been the only life saving treatment employed successfully by most of us.

In contrast, the new BFC cane treatment developed and evaluated in recent years involves chemical and structural modifications of the basic cane composition and fiber configuration. This process functions to improve the life and playing qualities of reeds, and it avoids any undesirable side effects of treatments based on simply filling the pores with lacquers, glues or other moisture barriers.

Treatment Theory...

To understand the new process, one must first know more about the composition of Arundo Donax, the cane preferred for reeds. The constitution of most commercial reed cane is about 80 % cellulose combined with about 20 % lignin. In chemical terms, cellulose is known as a tri-functional polysaccharide with a sterically configured bimolecular structure that repeats itself up to several thousand times to form a long chain. These chains in turn form bundles, which are the building blocks of the fibers and cellular structures that we see in cane. The lignin serves as the natural resin binder that holds the fibers together to provide overall structural integrity and resiliency.

It is known that any sustained exposure of reeds to a wet environment containing common bacteria can result in a slow digestion and decay of the cane. The bacteria cause this by releasing an enzyme which conforms to the molecular structure of the cellulose. The enzyme then breaks down the structure into smaller fragments, which become nutrients for the bacteria. The BFC process is based on evidence that substantial changes made to the molecular structure of cellulose can inhibit the action of enzymes which have evolved to identify only with natural cellulose.

Proceeding at the molecular level, the functional groups within the cellulose chains are responsive to chemical reactions; e.g., etherification, crosslinking, etc. Etherification, simply stated, is a reaction with a functional group that changes the chemical composition of the cellulose. Crosslinking of cellulose refers to connecting two molecular units together at one or more of their reactive functional sites. Entire cellulosic chains can be thus crosslinked or otherwise reacted to render the product more bio-resistant and wet stable. This concept is the basis for cellulose modification developed for the fiber and textile industry to impart stability in their products; e.g., wash and wear cotton fabrics, lollipop sticks, etc. Such reacted celluloses tend to retain both physical stability and improved resistance and enzymatic degradation, both of which also play key roles in reed stability, life, and performance.

Finally, in setting standards for any treatment of woodwind reeds, the criteria have been:

1) That the treatment be effective

2) That it leave the product biologically inactive; i.e., no leachable residues, and passive to senses of taste, smell, and appearance.

Application...

For double reed cane, the BFC treatment is best carried out with gouged or shaped cane, but may also be done on profiled or semifinished reeds if final finishing were anticipated. For single reed cane, the treatment is applied to semi-finished reeds or to a harder strength than desired.

The BFC treatment has been under evaluation in the last two years by Straubinger Woodwinds of Indiana, a well known manufacturer of professional oboe and English horn reeds. This company is presently offering a special line of reeds utilizing the treated cane.

The BFC cane treatment has been independently reviewed for safety by a representative of the Department of Pharmacology, Indiana University.

Biographical Note...

Ronald Fox is a chemist and Director of polymer membrane research and development for Hydranautics, a California firm that provides water desalination by reverse osmosis. He is also an oboist whose 23 year career included positions of principal oboe with San Diego's key musical endeavors; e.g., Symphony Orchestra, Opera, Ballet, Chamber Orchestras, Starlight Opera, and Gilbert and Sullivan Repertory Co. His interest in the treatment of cane was an outgrowth of his research and development of semi-permeable membranes based on modified celluloses.

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