Klarinet Archive - Posting 000249.txt from 1994/12

From: Donald Oehler <dloehler@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Comments on Reeds
Date: Mon, 12 Dec 1994 23:11:20 -0500

I recall going to my local music store(Milwaukee; North Ave.) as a high
school student to "select" my Vandorens. On good days, when I asked
nicely, they would open a new box(25 to a box) allowing me to be the
first to grace those reeds with my young embouchure. Ah, the good ole
days. Yup, I would stand right there in the shop trying out reeds until
I got what I wanted. Maybe they were $.25, maybe. Anyway, I have saved
all my reeds ever since. I even have about 20 boxes of unopened
Vandorens (#5) from the early 70's, too. In all I must have thousands.

Since I can remember, the reed rumor mill has produced some pretty
interesting stories: What I have heard the most is that reeds we get
here are not the real good ones. Or, the reeds used to be good but have
somehow changed. Or, the reeds are sorted out by blind ladies in the
basement(I like this one the best as there just might be some merit in
it!!)

My teacher in school, Joe Allard, did go to Vandoren and pick out reeds
as many others have done. He always had a long supply to bail us out.
(Funny how reeds are good until one has an important concert.) I don't
recall just how good those hand selected reeds were, but it really didn't
matter for we thought they were the greatest pieces of cane ever.

Anyway, the reeds today are as good (or bad) as they have ever been, in
my opinion. What's better is the selection we now have in the States.
Various kinds of German reeds, different kinds of Vandoren, RICO Grand
whatevers, etc. It's really quite nice. I really don't remember much
choice before.

What I feel has changed is Olivieri. Are there any long time Olivieri
users that might comment on their experiences in the last year or so.
I haven't been able to use them successfully since they began production
in the States. I have spoken with Olivieri (Vic) who claims all is well
and nothing has changed. Well, I don't buy it. Anyone else find this or
am I adding to the rumor mill with my own reed myth?