Klarinet Archive - Posting 001223.txt from 1997/10

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausman@-----.com>
Subj: Re: 4.5!!!!!!????
Date: Mon, 27 Oct 1997 14:07:20 -0500

At 11:38 AM 10/27/97 +0100, Jeroen T. Salm wrote:
>Hello teachers,
>
>I am astonished by the fact that you (USA) gays/teachers give the beginners
>reeds with pretty heavy strength, i.e.: Vandoren #3 or higher. Here, in
>Europe that is not at all a normal (but what is normal?) procedure: a lot
>of us begin with giving the kids (9 years old) #1,5 or #2! What a
>difference! When I give my kiddies something above #2 it is impossible to
>give a proper tone. So, why is here such a vast difference between Europe
>and USA? (The mouthpiece: lets say B40/B45 Vandoren). And also: in pro
>world there is that same difference: here they "only"sell "#2,5 or #3, not
>higher, I have the feeling you guys "always"play on reeds #3,5, #4 or even
>higher.
>Note: we do not at all change our reeds: from the package on to the
>mouthpiece that is.
>
>OK, I am wondering for years about this strength business. Is it due to
>tradition, other tone-perception?
>
Reed strength is most dependent on mouthpiece facing. I do own one or two
mouthpieces that are very closed and thrive on #4 reeds. But on popular
mouthpieces like B-45's, a Vandoren 2.5 or Mitchell Lurie or Zonda 3 is
plenty for me. I don't get the insistence upon playing on 1x2 lumber either.

Bill Hausmann bhausman@-----.com
451 Old Orchard Drive http://www.concentric.net/~bhausman
Essexville, MI 48732 http://members.wbs.net/homepages/z/o/o/zoot14.html

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is too loud.

   
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