Klarinet Archive - Posting 000381.txt from 1994/10

From: "David B. Niethamer" <NIETHAMER@-----.BITNET>
Subj: Re: Dark sound
Date: Fri, 28 Oct 1994 09:08:07 -0400

On Thu, 27 Oct 1994, Chris W. Castillo wrote:

> > Have you thought about switching to Vandoren reeds? I really liked
> > Mitchell Lurie through high school because I always got a good reed. But
> > my teacher really encouraged me to switch to Vandoren and although I have
> > to look for a good one, I have been really happy with them.

> > Kami Bauman
>
> I used to think that Vandoren reeds were the best. They probably are.
> However, I would only use maybe 3 out of a box of 12 reeds. For Mitchell
> Luries, I can pick one blind folded. I switched around and tried La Voz,
> and Marca (bad quality)...
>
> Has anyone ever used the Selmer Omega super hard reeds? Also, whats the
> difference between the Vandoren reeds and the Vandoren "Advanced" reeds
> (besides it say advanced)?

I have to weigh in here on the subject of reeds. My opinion is that
making one's own is the way to go. It takes more time, but the results, in
terms of reed longevity and quality are worth it.

I use a ReeDuAl, which, to those who can realy do this, is probably
considered "cheating", and I work from blanks, first preference Prestini,
and I've used Rigoutat with some success. But the key to ultimate success
for me is in the preparation of the blanks before cutting them on the
DuAl. I'd be happy to describe my process for anyone who is interested
when I have a few more minutes to write.

When I consider all the time double reed players spend making reeds, and
all the knowledge of measurements etc.that they have , I am in awe. No
"purple boxes" for them! I think the extra time learning about the most
critical part of the instrument is time well spent.

Let me mention a book that, for me, sums up most of the useful
information about clarinet reeds, adjusting commercial ones and hand-made
ones.
The Reed-Mate REED GUIDE
by George T. Kirck
P.O. Box 1217
Westbrook, Maine 04092
(207) 797-0857

Of course there is the Opperman book and Glenn Bowen has an excellent
book on reeds. Stanley Hasty (Rochester) and John Mohler (U of Mich,
retired) are the two gurus that I know of. And for a tongue in cheek look
at reed "problems", check out an article by Leon Russianoff for an early
issue of "The Clarinet" entitled "The Reed is Dead - Long Live the Reed!"

Happy Hunting!

David Niethamer