Klarinet Archive - Posting 000183.txt from 1997/04

From: "David C. Blumberg" <reedman@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Reed Contradictions
Date: Sun, 6 Apr 1997 11:52:37 -0400

Of course there is no definitive answer. Major teachers/players disagree
all of the time about most everything, except which end to blow into. You
have to go with what works for you, on your setup, and what your ear hears.
All I do is balance the reed, and clean it with warm water daily. The reed
seals after you play it for the first time. Want proof - wet the reed and
blow into the butt end (new reed only). You will see bubbles on the surface
that are created by blowing through the open holes in the reed. When you
play it, the reed seals, and never again can you get the bubbles to come
out. You can also shine the bottom of the reed to resemble a surf board if
you are so inclined.
There are those that swear by it; there are those that swear about it.

At 03:05 AM 4/6/97 -0400, WWQUINTET@-----.com wrote:
>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
>
>
David C. Blumberg
Principal Clarinet Riverside Symphonia
Clarinet Faculty Fame Music Festival
reedman@-----.com