Klarinet Archive - Posting 001229.txt from 1998/10

From: Note Staff Unlimited <notestaff@-----.ch>
Subj: Re: [kl] Eb problem
Date: Wed, 28 Oct 1998 16:30:33 -0500

klarinet@-----.org schrieb:

> 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??????
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes, I did the same thing. I play German mpce and reed with German Boehm clarinets
but a Buffet Eb with French mpce. I had the lay changed to fit the German Bb reed.
Works well.
David
David Glenn
notestaff@-----.ch

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