Klarinet Archive - Posting 001225.txt from 1998/10

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Eb problem
Date: Wed, 28 Oct 1998 15:28:25 -0500

I have played Eb quite a bit in the past, What Fernando said is true......try
using cut-off Bb clarinet reeds. I find normal Eb clarinet reeds
unusable......especially for the high register. If they're responsiveat all in
the lower registers, they tend to "die" in the upper register, resulting in
pitch problems on F, F#, and G. Dont even talk about G# - it won't come out,
the reed usually "chokes off" by then.

I keep a small hacksaw handy with my clarinet tools. When I need to play Eb
these days...which is sporadic.......I take a few good playing Bb reeds, that
are already broken in, and saw about 5 millimeters of the butt of the reed.
They usually play well on the Eb without further modification.

Note: Years ago I had the facings on my Bb/A, Eb, and bass mouthpieces
"matched" to make quick switches easy. This allows me to grab the same
strength reed for Eb that I use on Bb/A.

How many other Eb players out there use shortened Bb reeds??????

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