Klarinet Archive - Posting 001066.txt from 1999/02

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Eb reeds
Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 16:31:22 -0500

On Sun, 28 Feb 1999, Edinger/Gilman wrote:
> I'm shocked. I just noticed that the Vandoren Eb clarinet reed on my
> Vandoren B44 Eb mouthpiece does not match the rails at all at the tip.
> The reed is much narrower, the outside edge of the rails at the tip
> being 13.00mm apart and the widest part at the tip of the reed is
> 12.00mm. Wouldn't you think that the same company would make their
> reeds match their mouthpieces? Or at least make some kind of
> accomodation so you could trim them to fit? I guess this is why a lot
> of people use Bb reeds and trim them down to fit. Any suggestions aside
> from that one?

A couple of thoughts on this. First, you can file the outside edges of
the mouthpiece at the tip to be narrower - this can knock the edge off the
tone a bit, and it will more closely match the Eb reeds. Or....you could
use the Bb reeds as you already mentioned. People use Bb's that are cut
back because they have a thicker center to the heart and a stronger cut
for the sound. If you have ever measured a premium Eb mouthpiece, you
will find the tip opening and curve schedule very similar to that of a Bb
mouthpiece.........Bb reeds are not a bad idea.
Roger Garrett
Professor of Clarinet
Director - Concert Band, Symphonic Winds & Titan Band
Advisor - Recording Studio
Illinois Wesleyan University

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