Klarinet Archive - Posting 000873.txt from 1998/11

From: JAMES GAI <GAI@-----.EDU>
Subj: [kl] Chosing Reeds -Reply
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1998 14:46:35 -0500

The V-12's are quite inconsistent in how the back is cut. Try sanding
them by placing a piece of 600# emery paper on a flat surface, such as
glass, and moving them back and forth "with the grain." I use three
fingers on the reed to keep it flat and also make sure I keep the tip
of the reed off the emery paper (it makes it too thin and brittle
sounding if it is sanded). A few strokes will teach you how much
pressure to use, and check the "color" of the back frequently to
determine how it is sanding.

Good luck in learning these skills, but you have nothing to lose
except a little time. Luck has nothing to do with reed adjustment -
only skill and experience.

Jim Gai

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