Klarinet Archive - Posting 000190.txt from 1997/04

From: Bob <laker29@-----.NET>
Subj: Re: Reed Contradictions
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 1997 03:16:52 -0400

I'm quite SORRY - but for the past 40-some years I have found that With My
Professors & others!! SEALING the pores by rubbing, etc. is the best for
"Store-Bought" reeds! IF YOU MAKE YOU'RE OWN - YOU KNOW THAT ALREADY!!
ENOUGH SAID!! I HAVE THESE STRONG OPINIONS - BACKED UP BY LOTS OF OTHERS!!

BOB LAKE - EDINA, MN <laker29=idt,net>

At 3:05 AM 4/6/97, 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

Bob Lake
Musician/Educator
Edina, MN
<laker29@-----.net>