Klarinet Archive - Posting 000177.txt from 1997/04

From: WWQUINTET@-----.COM
Subj: Reed Contradictions
Date: Sun, 6 Apr 1997 03:05:35 -0400

Contradictions seem to run ramphant concerning the vast amount of opinions
regarding reeds. Here are quotes from two highly respected professional
clarinetists who are widely regarded for their valued insights about cane.

1.) "A new reed should be well wetted by saliva and immediately pressed hard
on a piece of glass and rubbed strongly up and down by the forefinger. This
closes the pores of the reed and thus prevents it from getting soaked up too
quickly. When the reed is rubbed strongly the pressure of the finger closes
the aperture from tubes in the reed and prevents the tubes from becoming
waterlogged. If this occurs the reed will lose its resiliency."

2.) "Reeds should NOT be rubbed down vigorously with one's finger to close
the pores. Closing the pores impedes the reed's vibrations and accelerates
its deterioration. Reeds should be kept clean and handled as little as
possible. As a reed gets used the natural tendency is for it to become
lackluster, brittle sounding, and sharp in pitch."

This interesting contradiction makes me wonder if there really is a
definitive answer to the puzzling enigma regarding reeds;however, both of
these quoted individuals attained a great deal of success with their methods.
Perhaps the playing idiosyncracies of each performer physically requires a
different approach and thus the mystery of reeds will always be a subjective
one.

Any opinions? ;-p

   
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