Moisture dynamics and ageing in clarinet reeds by neutron radiography.

ABSTRACT: The vibrational behavior of reeds in wind instruments is highly sensitive to their moisture content, yet the underlying hydration dynamics and their relationship to ageing remain poorly understood. In this study, we employ in situ neutron radiography to visualize and quantify internal water distribution in clarinet reeds at three stages of use: pristine, broken-in, and aged. Reeds were subjected to controlled wetting durations followed by drying under ambient conditions to enable time-resolved analysis of moisture uptake and retention. Neutron imaging revealed that water preferentially accumulates in the vamp region due to longitudinally exposed vascular structures, while the stock remains largely dry. Ageing significantly reduces both water uptake and retention capacity. Pristine reeds ab

SUBMITTER: Lee J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12674550 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature