Klarinet Archive - Posting 000047.txt from 1993/10

From: 00smgeidel@-----.BITNET
Subj: Re: REEDS!!!
Date: Tue, 26 Oct 1993 11:55:06 -0400

>>I still think that the answer is hand made reeds. It takes only 20-30
>>minutes to make a reed, if you make them from tube cane you make certain
>>that the cane is good prior to making the reed, and they last so much
>>longer than commercial reeds. You also make the reed to your mouthpiece,
>>finding a vamp that works best for your particular setup.
>>
>>Dr. Robert S. Spring
>>School of Music
>>Arizona State University

I must disagree. Making reeds is a special skill, requiring abilities not
directly related to playing the clarinet. Therefore, there are those who,
despite hours devoted to learning the craft of reed-making, will not acquire the
necessary skill level to produce acceptable (or superior) reeds. Good clarinet
players are not necessarily good reed makers; I believe that in fact the
majority of players will not become good reed makers, despite hours of practice.
I believe commercial reeds, despite their many faults, offer a workable
solution to the vast number of players who find reed-making to be a craft which
is beyond their ability. To those who say, "anyone can learn it," again I
disagree. Remember, we are dealing with tolerances of 1/1000 of an inch; such
fine discrimination demands gifts beyond the hand of the average player.

I welcome comments.

Stan Geidel
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Dr. Stanley M. Geidel
University Libraries
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306
(317) 285-5143
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