Klarinet Archive - Posting 000582.txt from 1999/02

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Getting used to a bass clarinet
Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 21:17:44 -0500

At 12:08 PM 2/15/99 -0500, you wrote:
>>
>
>The reeds are even more important on bass clarinet than on soprano. Also, for
>some reason, bass clarinet and tenor sax reeds seem to run soft. I have
>students that play a 3 on soprano and a 4.5 or 5 on bass. In my experience,
>Vandoren bass clarinet reeds are not the best. I use Vandoren V-16 or JAVA
>tenor sax reeds. Hope this
>helps.

It would be great if everyone who plays bass clarinet and clarinet evenly
would post what they would do. Would make for a great dissertation!

I play on size 4 V12 Vandoren soprano, and size 4 Bass Clarinet. I have
found them to be excellent reeds. However, I only flatten the backs with
320 then 600 grit one time, and play them. I don't prepare them the same
as the soprano reeds - I tried, and it simply doesn't work for me. Also -
I balance a little bit on the top, but with the larger reed find that I am
not as picky about that for some reason. I do take wood off of the
shoulders of the bass reeds - that edge that is formed by the cut into the
wood - just smooth it or round it over so there is no edge. I have found
that drops pitch on some of the worse notes and increases flexibility of
the reed.

RG
______
Roger Garrett
Professor of Clarinet
Director, Concert Band/Symphonic Winds/Titan Band
Advisor, Recording Studio
Illinois Wesleyan University
Office: (309) 556-3268
Fax: (309) 556-3411

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