Klarinet Archive - Posting 000871.txt from 1995/05

From: David Gilman <dagilman@-----.EDU>
Subj:
Date: Wed, 31 May 1995 13:04:15 -0400

>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.
>
Lorne,

I have noticed this same thing. Very often, reeds are thicker on one side
than another. Have you noticed any trends as to which side it tends to be?

Some months ago, I read that a reed should be thicker on the left side
because the instrument is supported from the right side by the right thumb.
I think this came from _The Art of Clarinet Playing_ by Keith Stein, but I
don't remember for certain because I don't own the book. I borrowed it.
[It might have been _The Clarinetist's Compendium_ by Daniel Bonade. I
borrowed that as well.] There may be some truth to this, but frankly, I
believe that the construction of the player's mouth and use of embouchure
muscles have much more to do with this than how the instrument is supported.
I say this because I don't need different reeds when I play with a neck
strap versus when I do not. I agree with Larry L. that making a reed
perfectly symmetrical is not the answer, unless of course the player's mouth
is too. Each player is an individual, and therefore reeds which are perfect
for one could be terrible for another.

>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 :-( )
>
Have you ever tried this? Take a popsicle stick, and stick tiny pieces of
sandpaper (whatever grade you wish: I like 280 or 400 myself) onto the ends
of it with rubber cement. [Use rubber cement so that you can peel the
pieces of sandpaper off after they wear out.] Getting the pieces of
sandpaper to adhere to the stick is a challenge, but it makes a nice fine
adjustment tool for any kind of reed. I used to use one years ago when I
was playing very hard reeds (#5) . I haven't tried it lately with 3-1/2's.

I don't like using a reed trimmer either. If I'm in a pinch, I can make one
work if I remove less than a hair's breadth from the tip, but not much more.
I never had any luck with dutch rush.

BTW, the concert you gave in Fullerton (Calif.) with the Vancouver Wind Trio
was fabulous! Very entertaining as well as musically stimulating. I listen
to the tape all the time.

David Gilman