Klarinet Archive - Posting 000235.txt from 1994/09

From: 00smgeidel@-----.EDU
Subj: Re: reed knives
Date: Tue, 27 Sep 1994 09:11:13 -0400

Friends,

>>i am interested in buying a reed knife and am wondering if any of you
>>have any suggestions as to the best kind to buy. (i'm getting tired of
>>using sandpaper for adjustments that could be done so much quicker with a
>>knife)

Well, here goes. . .I will probably start a great controversy here
with my thoughts about reed knives. But, why not...

Like many things associated with the clarinet and clarinet playing,
there is a marvelous mystique associated with reed knives, as if
having the "right one" will help you adjust your reeds. In reality,
any sharp knife that is comfortable to hold will do just fine. I
remember working with a marvelous bassoon player who used an old
Swiss Army Knife...yes, the kind with a few gadgets attached. She
said it was the best knife she'd ever found, because it held an
edge for a long, long time.

What will truly help your reed making and reed adjusting is to find
a knife that is sharp, and stays sharp. Keep a light touch. . .take
off "dust, only dust. . ." (I forget who said that, but it is in
fact excellent advice.) And, most importantly, spend much more time
practicing scales than practicing reed adjustment!

Let the arguments begin!

S Geidel

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Dr. Stanley M. Geidel | Personal replies to:
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