Klarinet Archive - Posting 000232.txt from 1996/07

From: John Roman <JohnARoman@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Rico, Maneri, and stuff
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 1996 08:49:30 -0400

<<Could someone inform this clarinet newbie as to what the big joke is about
Rico No. 2 reeds? Is it that real players use only VanDoren No.4's, or
something macho like that? And, am I OK if I play Rico Royal No. 2's--a
minor step up?>>

Nothing! But try some other brands. You might like them. Don't jump from a
Rico #2 to a Van Doren #4. Try to keep the numbers close. They involve the
strength of the reed (how easily it plays on a particular mouthpiece and for
a particular player) and are usually similar for all brands (i.e. a Rico #4
and a Van Doren #4 would be about the same stength).

<<Finally, what does it mean when, on a newly overhauled clarinet, I
sometimes find it difficult to get low notes to sound; the
instrument sometimes acts as if the register key were open, which it
ain't. It's almost as if the reed had a memory of its own,
refusing to jump down into the lower register. This didn't happen so
much, if ever, before the overhaul, which entailed only a few new pads
and some cork here and there. And, like I said, a No. 2 reed is
involved -- too soft?>>

If the problem seems to be new (since the overhaul), take the instrument back
to the overhauler and and ask for an explanation. If he/she can't find one
you'll have to look further (take the instrument to a proficient clarinettist
and see if they have the same problem). Also, did the instrument play well
before the work was done on it? Maybe the problem is not with the
instrument. Just a thought.

By the way, a few new pads and some cork here and there do not constitute an
overhaul. An overhaul is much more extensive and involves putting the
instrument back in "like new" condition; As close as possible to or better
than the day it came from the factory.

Good luck!

John Roman