Klarinet Archive - Posting 000959.txt from 1998/11

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Choosing Reeds
Date: Wed, 25 Nov 1998 11:36:20 -0500

On Wed, 25 Nov 1998, Lee Hickling wrote:

> I've been wondering why nobody mentions the method I've always used to
> choose reeds--hold them up to a strong light. With a little practice, one
> can judge not only their stiffness but their overall quality and probable
> responsiveness. Even in a box of Ricos I can usually find a couple of
> winners that way. Is this just too universal a practice to be worth
> mentioning, or is it something that some of the younger subscribers never
> heard of?

I have several tests including the light test:

1. The play test - play on each side of the reed (corners) to test
for balance.

2. The feel test - when the reed is wet - bend at the tip and feel
for resistance - notice where the anomalies are and adjust.

3. The look test - best if done with a florescent light (Steve - you
need to check my spelling on that word!).

4. When all else fails - the throw away test - am I better off
without the darn reed?

Roger Garrett
Illinois Wesleyan University

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