Klarinet Archive - Posting 000868.txt from 1995/05

From: "Lorne G. Buick" <lgbuick@-----.CA>
Subj:
Date: Wed, 31 May 1995 10:39:25 -0400

Nancy-

I have used the Perfecta-Reed for years, and have found it very helpful.
While I agree with LL, below, using the device does not mean you have to
adjust each reed for perfect balance- in fact I use it to make my reeds
consistently lighter on one side. It was through using the P-R that I
discovered that most commercial reeds are thicker on one side to begin
with, so now I save a lot of time by quickly confirming this and
immediately thinning the thicker side.

I've never had any success with rushes, I've always used a knife but I
think it's just a matter of personal preference (as with so many clarinet-
related topics...). As for reed trimmers, if you can find one that matches
the curve of your mouthpiece and doesn't shred the tip of the reed, you're
in business! But personally I've never had much success with clippers
either- I always start with reeds that are a bit on the hard side and shave
them down (until a) they work :-) or b) I destroy them, swear at them and
throw them away :-( )

>What thoughts do members of the list have on PerfectaReed, different
>brands of reed trimmers and reed rush vs. knives and/or sandpaper?
>I use a Cordier trimmer and dry rush. My curiosity has been piqued
>more than once by the PerfectaReed, although I've never tried it.
>
>Nancy
>zneb@-----.bitnet

>Well, if your mouthpiece and embouchure are perfectly symmetrical, then a
>PerfectaReed might be of some help. At the very least, knowing the various
>measurements might provide a "point of departure" as to what you should do
>next as far as adjusting goes...but to say that making your reed "perfectly"
>balanced might solve whatever reed problems you have is not realistic...

>...but it looks nice on the desk, I suppose.

>Larry Liberson

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LGB Lorne G Buick Draft III Music
lgbuick@-----.ca Wind Music
Arranging, Copying, Publishing
Have basset horn, will travel