Ways to soften Plasticovers?

[Vortex]

Anyone know how to soften a Rico Plasticover? I guess you can't sand them down since that would defeat the purpose of the plastic coating (and break into the cellulite or whatever it is and render the reed dead). I've got a few that are just a bit too hard for my taste, I don't need to drastically soften them, just take them down a notch.

[DD]

Microwave defrost? :?: :shock:

[super20dan]

i find p/covers to be extremly inconsistant when it comes to strengh grading. most play harder than they should. i now buy them 1/2 grade softer than what i would use if a regular rico . i would rather have one too soft than too hard..sorry i cant offer a solution as to how to soften them .

[Bill Mecca]

drill em.

[SoulMate]

Yes drill them. It really frees up a plasicover. I find it improves the bottom end as well as the altissimo.
What you also can do is to take the MPC in your hand with the reed attached and apply some periodic pressure with your thumb on the reed. Do this a few times and test untill it plays ok. Don't over do it as it can ruine the reed by beaking too much fibers...

[Subtone Sam]

While reed is on the mpc,press the vamp area firmly 2-3 times with your thumb.This will soften the reed a bit,repeat if necessary.

[Vortex]

Right, i've done the thumb on the vamp thing /w Alexanders before, didn't know if it would work or not. I drill a lot of my reeds anyway so I'll give that a try. How's this for getting a dud reed - pulled one plasticover out of the box and found that it already had a large split at the tip. Now THAT'S inconsistency!

[Anonymous]

How's this for getting a dud reed - pulled one plasticover out of the box and found that it already had a large split at the tip. Now THAT'S inconsistency!

I have had good success using superglue on plasticover reeds when they have a split at the tip. I just put a tiny droplet of superglue on the crack and lay the reed flat on glass and wipe the crack off with tissue to soak up the excess superglue. If done right it plays perfectly and no evidence of a crack left, I can even clip the reed back when it gets soft and the trimming is one long strand with no evidence of a crack in it.

[Lenny]

I used to go over them with a wet dutch rush. The effect was mainly to take off some of the plastic coating on one side. Made them softer and kind of a semi - plastic coated reed. It worked fine.