Klarinet Archive - Posting 000586.txt from 1995/04

From: Lee Callet <LCallet@-----.COM>
Subj: How hard the reed
Date: Sat, 29 Apr 1995 13:39:45 -0400

Tom Labadorf (and any interested others)

There is no question that a hard reed does not make a great player. Proper
reed strength is determined by two things: embouchure strength, but more
importantly, the tip opening of the mouthpiece. Usually, the smaller the
opening, the harder the reed. That Charlie Parker played hard reeds was not
the reason he was a genius. I guess I take exception to the comments that
jazz guys think tone is unimportant, and that a soft reed is what jazz guys
use so they can have more flexibility. I cringe when I hear a clarinet player
with a 11/2 reed and no pitch center. (All Acker Bilk fans speak now or
forever hold your peace). As for Eddie Daniels, I guess we are in total
agreement. He has carved the jazz clarinet some new anatomy. There's nobody
in his technical class, and his sound is gorgeous. He plays very "legit"
setups, and is as much of a reed nut as was Benny Goodman.
The other Eddie Daniels issue brought up here, as to what instruments he
plays, the comment that he will play whatever clarinets are provided by
corporate sponsorship is true, and while I cannot say for sure, I second the
comment that when nobody is looking he plays Buffet. Lee Callet