Klarinet Archive - Posting 000997.txt from 1997/03

From: "David C. Blumberg" <reedman@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: making your own reeds - cheaper?
Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 15:21:45 -0500

The big thing is that reeds that are hand made can last on average 2-3
times longer then store bought ones. I know of players that use one reed
for 3 months - and sound good. I think that being able to adjust reeds at a
high level makes the cost much less, as if I have a decent piece of cane -
it will play well with balancing.

At 07:05 PM 3/27/97 -0800, Roger Lewis & Denise Gulliver-Lewis wrote:
>Kenneth Chin wrote:
>> Is buying reed cane and making reeds yourself cheaper? If so, I want to
>> try. Please let me know.
>>
>...................
>
>Well, it depends on what your time is worth! You will have an ititial
>investment in cane, tools, ect. also. A ReeDuAl is one of the best ways
>to go, but can be very expensive. I bought one new, from Rabco, in 1987
>and paid about $600.00. I understand they are somewhat cheaper now, due
>to improvements in manufacture. Since they were just starting up
>production in 87, I was on a waiting list. It took about 9 months for
>the machine to arrive...kind of like waiting for a baby! It was another
>year before I was turning out consistant, playable reeds that I was
>satisfied with. At that time I was able to get about 8 good reeds out
>of every 10 blanks. A pretty good record.
>Unfortunately, I have had a lot going the last 3 years or so and have
>had to pack the machine away and go back to good old Vandorens. I would
>like to make my own reeds again, but lack of time prevents me from doing
>so. Any free time I have now I'm practicing. But learning to make your
>own reeds can GREATLY improve your reed adjusting skills. I feel that
>it is an important skill that every serious clarinetist should attempt
>to learn.
>
>Denise Gulliver-Lewis
>Principal Clarinet
>Elkhart Symphony
>
>
David C. Blumberg
Principal Clarinet Riverside Symphonia
reedman@-----.com