Klarinet Archive - Posting 000192.txt from 1995/08

From: Elizabeth Morgenroth <PMorgy@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Clarinet Reed Advice
Date: Sat, 12 Aug 1995 11:26:28 -0400

In my experience of teaching young clarinetists from beginners to high
school, I found two or three things:

1. reed hardness depends a great deal on the mouthpiece. For example, if
they're playing a no-name or Goldentone, etc... harder reeds will not play.
Some mouthpieces naturally work well with harder reeds. I play a Selmer B*
(different , but it works) and I feel much better if I play Vandoren or Marca
4 reeds.

2. reed hardness also depends on the reed. If the fibers are further apart,
it will be softer. If the heart is farther back, the reed will play easier,
and the high notes may not play as well.

I believe that players do not need to play on one particular mouthpiece, but
find the one that works for them. A lot of people suggest the Vandoren B45
or the Premiere by Hite, but there are others out there that work.

I might mention that I've had beginners playing on Mitchell Lurie 4 reeds,
and it makes a HUGE difference. Morgenroth.