Klarinet Archive - Posting 000049.txt from 1998/07

From: Lee Hickling <hickling@-----.Net>
Subj: Re: [kl] reeds
Date: Fri, 3 Jul 1998 15:27:36 -0400

I'm with Bill Hausman all the way on what he said:

>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.
>........... 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!

There speaks an experieced teacher. Of course, it depends on the student,
but for most beginners in the upper elementary and junior high/middle
school age bracket - especially boys - I suggest Ricos, and since I teach
in a studio in a music store, I can help them pick out better ones and at
the same time show them how to read a reed's quality by holding it up to a
strong light.

When they start producing a plausible tone and need to begin paying
attention to their intonation in the clarion register, it may be time to
think about more expensive reeds, if they have also learned to take care of
them.

I have had no reed brand loyalty since My Masterpiece disappeared from the
market. I often use Ricos myself, although not for gigs where I'll be the
only clarinet, or will be soloing. Of course, I may check out 15 or 20 to
find the two or three I buy.

Lee Hickling <hickling@-----.net>

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