Klarinet Archive - Posting 000285.txt from 1999/06

From: "Kevin Fay (LCA)" <kevinfay@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Whiny reeds
Date: Mon, 7 Jun 1999 12:39:54 -0400

Andy Brown asked:

<<<I recently switched to size 4 Van Doren V12 reeds from size 31/2 because
the 31/2s were not stiff enough and giving me a "whiny" flat sound. I am
finding now that when I buy a box of the 4's many of them are still too
soft. Though I like the responsiveness of the softer ones, their sound is
too bright and whiny, they don't give me any focus in my sound. I am just
wondering if there is anyway I can alter the softer reeds, any specific
region to work that will keep the responsiveness and center the tone, a way
to make the heart of the reed more prominent perhaps? If anyone could give
me suggestions it would be a big help.>>>

The solution is clear--your embouchure is just too strong. Put the horn
down for a couple of weeks and those soft ones will seem peachy keen! ;-)

I have the same problem. Because of the weather here in Seattle, I have to
keep 2 sets of reeds (for rainy days and the 4 other ones). V-12 3-1/2s
work fine in damp weather. If it dries out a little, though, I start to
sound a bit like a bee. So I switch to reeds with a little more wood in the
heart -- either selected V-12s, or more likely Zondas.

kjf

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsubscribe from Klarinet, e-mail: klarinet-unsubscribe@-----.org
Subscribe to the Digest: klarinet-digest-subscribe@-----.org
Additional commands: klarinet-help@-----.org
Other problems: klarinet-owner@-----.org