Klarinet Archive - Posting 000836.txt from 1995/10

From: "Scott D. Morrow" <SDM@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: V.12's
Date: Mon, 23 Oct 1995 11:37:38 -0400

>Luuk,
>
>But, if Vandoren can measure to .1 the hardness of a reed and purposely places
>a variety in a box to give the clarinetist CHOICE why wouldn't it make sense
>to MARK the individual reeds 3.1 or 2.8 or whatever to aid in making that
>choice? And once a user finds that he/she prefers 3.2 reeds, why not make
>3.2 reeds available!?
>
>I personally find this explanation unlikely. If the individual reeds are
>not marked, how do the packagers know they are placing a range of reeds in
>each box?!
>
>What probably happens is that there is a normal statistical variation in
>reeds, possibly +/- .5 hardness. So this is what you get in each box.
>Then, you get a rationalization that this variation is by intent, rather
>the result of manufacturing tolerances...
>

This explanation sounds more like an excuse! Have you ever seen
labels on clothing that state that any defect is purely intentional and
part of the charm of the item? Well, those marketing experts have
apparently moved to the reed industry!
If the "variety" explanation is really true, then just out of
"truth in marketing", Vandoren should market a Variety Pack (with strengths
well marked) and then boxes of their extremely-accurately-measured-strength
reeds!

-Scott

Scott D. Morrow
(410)-955-3631

SDM@-----.edu