Klarinet Archive - Posting 000068.txt from 1996/02

From: Richard Spittel <RichLouS@-----.COM>
Subj: Bass Clarinet Reeds and Ligatures
Date: Sat, 3 Feb 1996 12:37:09 -0500

In a message dated 96-02-02 05:06:49 EST, you write:

>#1: What type of reed would one suggest to be used with a Selmer C-Star
>mouthpiece on a Selmer Bass Clarinet.

First of all what were you doing up at 5 O'clock in the morning?!?!?

Anyway, as far as choice of reeds is concerned, you should think about
starting with Van Doren (#3 - ?) or Rico Royal Tenor Sax Reeds. Finding a
brand and strength you feel comfortable with can be a somewhat expensive
process, especially since you may only find 3 or 4 good reeds in a box. You
didn't mention ligatures, but I hope you are using something like a Rovner or
Charles Bay. You want one which will let the reed vibrate WITHOUT clamping it
down. Most stock ligatures are made of metal that is too heavy and really
stiffles the vibrations of the reed. I currently use a Charles Bay, but
depending on your mpc. reed, embouchure, and style of playing, you might find
one of the two Rovner models quite useful. An alternative to expensive
ligatures, (and something that I find to work best with some reeds) is to tie
the reed to the mouthpiece with butcher's twine, as clarinet players did
before the advent of metal ligatures. To do this, you wind the twine around
the mpc and reed 15 to 20 times, and just anchor it under the last winding.
It holds the reed securely and firmly, but gives it the freedom necessary to
vibrate.

Hope these suggestions help.

Richard Spittel, Baltimore, MD

P.S. - As far as lists of clarinet 4tets, have your school band director
contact:
US Army Field Band
Ft.Meade, MD 20755,

and ask for a (free) copy of the video entitled "Improving Your
Clarinet Section through the Use of Clarinet Quartets". If features the Clar
4tet, which a decription of 4tets, rehearsal techniques, and suggestions for
performance, as well as some graded lists of 4tets. There are also videos in
this series on the oboe, bassoon, history of the horn, and the jazz band
rhythm section. Sorry, but we can't make these available to private
individuals, but they are free to schools and colleges.