Miscellaneous Where saxophone reeds grow

[FraRa]

On a trip through southern France, I was surprised to pass a reed plantation where saxophone reeds grow.
I immediately stopped for a short prayer.

 

[ESJohn]

That had to have been a great and very pleasant surprise! I hope you stopped and spent some time there!
You would probably enjoy this video from Jay Metcalf of Better Sax. It really makes you appreciate the work that goes into these things!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxwYCzPT4Ck

 

[wakyct]

Your post got me reading the Wikipedia on reeds and apparently the plant is rich with psychedelic compounds, which may explain behaviors of some woodwind players?

 

[Taragot]

I'm in southern france too at the moment, and there are lots of wild Reed plants which look similar. Don't know If thats a Kind of Bamboo or a sort of Arunda Donax or from another cane family.

 

[skeller047]

The state of California classifies Arundo Donax as an invasive species.

 

[FraRa]

Saxophone reeds have seemed somewhat psychoactive to me for a while now. I hope we don't end up in a drug rehabilitation center!
It's impressive how much high-tech goes into the manufacturing process. Unfortunately, I couldn't find out if you can visit the factory, and now we're back home. But when I play, I always think about the plantation there.

 

[Wonko]

You can visit the Rigotti factory about once a month:

Visites de la Fabrique des Anches Rigotti - Cogolin

Découvrez les différentes étapes de fabrication de ces petites languettes que les musiciens adaptent sur leurs instruments à vent. Inscription et règlement obligatoire au plus tard la veille sur www.amusezvous.net ou à l'Office de Tourisme.

www.grimaud-provence.com

I booked a visit there a couple of years ago, but then our travel plans changed and I had to cancel .....