Klarinet Archive - Posting 001004.txt from 1998/11

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausman@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Reed strength
Date: Thu, 26 Nov 1998 03:23:06 -0500

At 06:10 PM 11/25/98 -0500, George Kidder wrote:
>"Another truth about reeds is that all reeds for a given instrument are cut
>exactly the same, on the same machine, at the same setting. Got that? A
>number 2 reed and a number 5 are cut to exactly the same shape and
>thickness. The difference in strength is not in the cutting, but solely
>dependant on the different natural physical properties in the fiber of each
>piece of cane! Bet you didn't know that! ..."
>
>Many others on the list have much more experience with reeds than I do.
>What do others think about this statement?
>
I have been led to believe that this is true, at least within brand. The
reed is cut, then graded on how hard or soft it actually is, as determined
by the density of the individual piece of cane. That would be the most
accurate way to measure. I've never noticed any significant difference in
thickness from one reed to another, but in stiffness, yes.

Bill Hausmann bhausman@-----.com
451 Old Orchard Drive http://www.concentric.net/~bhausman
Essexville, MI 48732 http://members.wbs.net/homepages/z/o/o/zoot14.html
ICQ UIN 4862265

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is too loud.

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