Klarinet Archive - Posting 000207.txt from 1995/08

From: Jarle Brosveet <Jarle.Brosveet@-----.NO>
Subj: Re: Clarinet Reed Advice
Date: Mon, 14 Aug 1995 03:46:54 -0400

>What would your
>recommendation be regarding reed strength for beginners through the
>first three years of study in a band program?

There is no clear answer. First, the numbering is not universal. Each make
has its own. Second, the choice of reed strength depends on the
characteristics of the mouthpiece. Some mouthpieces are designed for stiff
reeds and some for soft reeds. Third, not all students find the same reed
strength to be comfortable. It depends on the embouchure, whether it is
allowed to be tough or relaxed. There are many schools of clarinet playing
and the student will always have to follow the advice of a competent teacher
in trying to settle for a particular combination of instrument, mouthpiece,
reed and embouchure that gives a sound that the teacher (not the student)
finds to be a fine clarinet sound. In my experience there is no other way of
solving this difficult problem successfully.

Jarle Brosveet