Klarinet Archive - Posting 000474.txt from 1996/10

From: Neil Leupold <nleupold@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Vandoren /Reed Strength
Date: Sun, 20 Oct 1996 14:11:37 -0400

> Reeds are tested by a machine that sticks holes in the Butt of the reed (ever
> wonder what those indentations were) and tests its density. A number given to
> the density determines what box it will be put in. Ex.- 20-23 could be a 3
> 1/2, 24-28 could be a 4, 29-34 could be a 4 1/2, and 35- end of gauge could
> be a 5.

Is that right, David? I didn't know this ('learn something new every day!).
Have you been to the factory yourself and seen this machine? Can others on
the list verify that Vandoren grades its reeds using such a machine? And
why the _butt_ of the reed? How does that reveal the density and rigidity
of the _heart_ of the reed, for I always thought the heart of the reed was
the most critical in affecting a reed's ability to vibrate.

> I still believe in the guy that puts the 1 good reed in the box.

Kind of like Santa Claus or something? This is hilarious. When I used
regular Vandoren reeds, it was true -- there was a single good reed in
every box, the rest being varying degrees of mutant cane which had to be
shaved and sanded and polished before they were usable in a performance.
Presently, I use Vandoren Hand Select reeds, and these have proven to be
a great deal more consistent in cane quality within a given box. From a
box I opened just yesterday, every single reed vibrated with the same
degree of resonance, and were all very close to the same degree of
resistance. If the cane is good and vibrates well, I don't care about
resistance. A reed can be physically altered to suit a person's resistance
preference, but there's no way to make it _vibrate_ with more response and
resonance once it's been cut and packaged.

Neil