Klarinet Archive - Posting 000390.txt from 1997/08

From: Jrykorten@-----.com
Subj: Re: Reed strength - Kell story
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 1997 01:32:07 -0400

It appears we in the US use mouthpieces that have closer facings - 1.05mm
typical opening vs. 1.2mm for B45, and as such a harder reed "feels" the same
as a softer one on a more open facing.

We also have stronger lips as we start kissing here at an earlier age. :-)

Jerry Korten
NYC

In a message dated 97-08-09 14:58:57 EDT, Jeroen T. Salm writes:

<<
hello all,
How strange: it's common here (Netherlands-Europe) to begin (the children
who start playing clarinet) with Vandoren (French cut) #1,5 or 2. We end
with 2,5 or 3 (so for the professionals!). Why this huge difference in reed
strength between USA and (parts of) Europe? Average mouthpiece: Vandoren
B40/45
Does someone have a clue? I find this quite interesting...I mean: we (soft
reed blowers) also search for clear sound, dark colour, clearness,
flexibility, clear altissimo register...etc. etc.
(for instance: Walter Boeykens: 2,5-3 : Karl Leister: 2,5 )

yours truly,

Jeroen T. Salm
The Netherlands
jtsalm@-----.nl
>>