Klarinet Archive - Posting 000059.txt from 1998/07

From: Alexis <jisa@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] reeds
Date: Sat, 4 Jul 1998 02:41:35 -0400

>What kind of reeds should a beginner start 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?
Because beginners, especially young beginners, often do not handle reeds
carefully, it is usually better not to go up too high in quality. But it is
important that they have the equipment to produce a nice tone, so I would try
to select reeds that are a reasonable quality, even if they are just Rico
regulars. Better quality reeds (I think of Mitchell Lurie or soft regular
Vandorens) will ultimately be easier to play, although they may require a
little more time and a little more embouchure.
I absolutely agree with Mark, who mentions the importance of a decent
mouthpiece, and David, who recommends that they buy more than one or two. I
know from personal experience that if I have very few reeds, my "acceptable"
level immediately goes down. I can't say much about adjusting them, since I
don't even do my own, but if the differences are subtle (preference
adjustments) I don't think I'd bother. It's not that big a deal, especially at
the beginner level.

Alexis

--Alexis Grant

jisa@-----.com
graal990@-----.edu

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