Klarinet Archive - Posting 000577.txt from 1997/12

From: "J. Shouryu Nohe" <jnohe@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Reed Physics
Date: Thu, 11 Dec 1997 19:42:50 -0500

> Is there a web site which discusses the physics of reeds, or perhaps a go=
od
> book?

Well, my page works with reeds a bit. It may not be what you're looking
for, but give it shot; it may help. "Help! I Don't Have A Reed" is at=20
http://web.nmsu.edu/~jnohe

> while correct, is not the answer I seek...) What about sanding the surfa=
ce?

Sanding, for me, is for reducing warpage at the heart of the reed, or
making it thinner to 'soften' it up.

> Is there an "algorithm" for choosing a particular strength of reed, beyon=
d
> simply trying each one? I had long held the na=EFve notion that strength=
was
> somehow directly related to sophistication; beginning players play 1=BD o=
r 2,
> and gradually move up the scale as they "mature". I've come to realize
> this is a foolish notion, but I don't have a solid explanation with which
> to replace it.

Lotsa factors: the development of you embouchure, the mouthpiece you use,
and the sound you're looking for. Is it jazz, classical, 20th century
wackostuff ^_^ ? Mouthpiece, for me, is the biggest factor in choosing
strengths. I've also found that the number system varies between brands
of reeds--keep that in mind as well.

> I've also been experimenting with non-cane reeds. Cane purists will want
> to stop here and move on to the next message. ;) Does anyone else use t=
he
> "plasticover" plastic-coated cane reeds from Rico? They seem to last
> forever, and the tone stays exactly the same from week to week. My
> Fibrecell reed is OK, but a bit bright for my taste. I have one clear
> plastic reed which has a nice, very consistant, warm tone for me; I would
> like to use it full-time, but I get a chirp or squeak when rapidly
> attacking middle-of-the-staff D, Eb and E. Is this a familiar problem
> which perhaps has a known method of correction?

Well, generally, non cane reeds only produce a sound you'd want for
marching band, jazz, etc (GENERALLY!). Again, it has a lot to do with
mouthpiece. I don't particularly have a love for the Plasticovers because
I wear the plastic off rather quickly...but I know several fantastic jazz
sax players who swear by them. Fibercell is bright, yes, but I actually
find the Bari (the clear ones) brighter. Typically, I like the Fibercell
for jazz....if it's too bright, I'll combine it with a 'darker' mouthpiece
(something with a larger bore and a little less projection). The Bari is
a bit touchy, on the other hand, as you stated, squeaking occasionally. I
usually advise against Bari's, because if you play them pretty hard, they
warp quickly and massively, rendering them useless for the most part. As
for the squeaks, try adjusting the reed position, or quite possibly a
different ligature. That sometimes works for me with plastic
reeds...can't say for sure in _everyone's_ sitch, though... ^_^

=09=09=09=09=09=09Shouryu