Klarinet Archive - Posting 001143.txt from 1999/04

From: "Kevin Fay (LCA)" <kevinfay@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Bb reeds on Eb...was.......Reeds?
Date: Wed, 28 Apr 1999 21:04:14 -0400

Walter Grabner noted re Eb reeds:

<<<My best results came when I used a normal Bb reed, what ever I WAS USING
AT THE TIME, and sawed off enough of the butt to fit on the Eb
mouthpiece.>>>

One of the other considerations is your mouthpiece. Certain custom makers
(Dan Johnston in particular--at least his mouthpieces are the one I am most
familiar with) design their Eb mouthpieces with the intention that they be
used with cut-down Bb reeds! Of course, from time to time I ruin the whole
equation by using Eb reeds on mine . . .

My advice, based on a lot of Eb playing, is to kill a lot of reeds
experimenting with what works. I find that I use Eb reeds in the wind
ensemble, as they have a smaller sound that blends better with flutes & the
piccolo (who you'd be playing with much of the time). For orchestral work,
you generally want a bigger, rip snortin' sound (think Till or
Berlioz)--you'll need a beefier, Bb reed.

As to strength, you really can't say that it would be the same as your Bb,
even if the tip opening is the same and the lay similar. You must
experiment. In general, I like to use a reed on the Eb that is a soft as
possible and still "work"--meaning one that will get all the high notes I
need to play and cleanly articulate.

Good luck!

kjf

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