Non-smoking squeezeboxes

Subject: Non-smoking squeezeboxes
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 03:56 AM

I just caught the end of a piece on the Today programme by an Irish doctor and musician about the impact of smoking on traditional instruments. I never realised that the effect of smoke, especially on instruments with bellows, could be so damaging. He was explaining that the interior of the instrument, especially the reeds, can become so polluted with smoke particles that they go out of tune, and have to be repaired.

Those of you who are long-standing box or pipes players are probably well aware of this effect, but as a newbie I found it really interesting. Another reasn to be grateful for the smoking ban, methinks...

Subject: RE: Non-smoking squeezeboxes
From: Rasener
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 04:03 AM

Same applies with computers. Have a look at the innerds of a PC where the owner is a smoker.

Subject: RE: Non-smoking squeezeboxes
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 04:17 AM

Some Northumbrian pipes players have foam filters in their stocks just before the reed to prevent this effect. (I heard the piece too and am not surprised)
For a determined session player this had to be replaced every year or so, bearing, when removed, a strong resemblance to those photos of damaged lungs. I've also seen completely black reeds.

Yuk, and thank goodness it's not such a problem now.

Paws

Subject: RE: Non-smoking squeezeboxes
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 04:25 AM

Les, that is true, and I use it as a savings system. When times get bad, Ican always get an extra sip of coffee and some tobacco by shaking my keyboard upside down...

Subject: RE: Non-smoking squeezeboxes
From: PMB
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 04:36 AM

So my patent for the filter tipped whistle is useless now.

Subject: RE: Non-smoking squeezeboxes
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 04:47 AM

It's been done already, they call it a fipple.
G

Subject: RE: Non-smoking squeezeboxes
From: Dead Horse
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 05:04 AM

There is also a nicotine patch you stick to the outside which can help.
Especially if you block the air holes with 'em :-)

Subject: RE: Non-smoking squeezeboxes
From: Rasener
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 05:07 AM

LOL George, you get worse :-)

Subject: RE: Non-smoking squeezeboxes
From: GUEST,banjoman
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 07:43 AM

As well as the ban on smoking in public places etc. Why not ban Melodeons & other similar noise makers ? This would greatly improve the nations health & rduce NHS costs in terms of hearing aids.

Subject: RE: Non-smoking squeezeboxes
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 07:44 AM

this from a BANJO player? LOL!

Subject: RE: Non-smoking squeezeboxes
From: Emma B
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 07:55 AM

Death by Accordion?

Thanks for the Tshirt Bob!

Subject: RE: Non-smoking squeezeboxes
From: GUEST,Crazy_Man_Michael
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 02:36 PM

all this reminds of watching Swarb smoking his face off while playing his fiddle, then watching as he tipped said fiddle upside down and seeing the ash fall out of the f holes.....