Klarinet Archive - Posting 000949.txt from 1997/11

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausman@-----.com>
Subj: Re: New Grand Concert Reeds
Date: Tue, 25 Nov 1997 18:27:33 -0500

At 06:03 PM 11/25/97 +0000, Roger Shilock wrote:
>On Tue, 25 Nov 1997, Josh-Boy wrote:
>
>> The reason a box of Vandorens only has 1 or 2 playable reeds is the fact
>> that they all vary in strength. They were designed for this. In a box of
>> 3 1/2's, you will probably get 1 or 2 3.5 reeds. Then, you'll get a 3.1,
>> 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, maybe a couple of 3.6's, a 3.7, and maybe a 3.8 or 3.9.

>No - it isn't the only reason VanDoren reeds are hit & miss. Some are too
>thin, some have grossly irregular grain, some seem not to have responded
>to whatever seasoning they've had and just go on absorbing water .......
>
I may not be the only reason, but Vandoren reeds ARE deliberately packaged
as Josh-Boy describes. It virtually guarantees that you will get a couple
that are exactly the strength you want (even 1/4 strength), and makes
extremely probable that a couple of more can be worked to your
satisfaction. As you say, it is likely some will be too thin. And reeds,
as agricultural products, are subject to great variability, and even change
as they age and with the weather. If you want a perfectly regular and
consistent reed, Bari makes one out of clear plastic. Just don't stand
next to me while you play one! :-)

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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