Klarinet Archive - Posting 000040.txt from 1998/07

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausman@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] reeds
Date: Fri, 3 Jul 1998 09:01:11 -0400

At 12:27 AM 7/3/98 -0400, Kate Metts wrote:
>Just a quick ? for anyone who has a suggestion:
>
>What kind of reeds should a beginner star on? Should They get a better
>quality reed at a softer strength or should they just go for the cheap
>stuff at the beginning? Would a better brand be easier for them to play
>on? Should I adjust them as well?
>
While donning my flame-proof suit, I would suggest that you not immediately
eliminate plain old Rico reeds from consideration. Young beginners,
particularly, break far more reeds than they wear out, many by catching
them on their shoulder while looking at their fingers, the rest from
bouncing them around in the case on the mouthpiece with no cap. The
difference in tone quality at that stage of development is insignificant,
so save the money. An older beginner (high school or older) might benefit
from a Mitchell Lurie. Younger players can be advanced to better reeds
when it becomes clear that they can care for them. Starting strength
should probably be keyed to the mouthpiece: Close facings like a Selmer
HS* might work better with a 2 1/2 or even 3, but more open facings will
work better with good old #2's. Adjustment probably does not pay at the
beginner stage -- "play or die" reed selection makes more sense. Spend the
time practicing instead. And as someone else pointed out, don't let them
buy one or two at a time. I am constantly amazed by what I see kids
playing on in schools. Half the tip is gone, but it is the ONLY reed they
have!

All of the above IMHO, of course.

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
ICQ UIN 4862265

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

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