Klarinet Archive - Posting 000379.txt from 1999/08

From: "Kevin Fay (LCA)" <kevinfay@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Fibrcell reeds
Date: Sat, 14 Aug 1999 00:27:22 -0400

Bill Hausmann posted:

<<<The long life and consistency of the synthetic reed can outweigh some
loss of tonal quality for a beginner, in my opinion. They are also
excellent for doubling . . . >>>

I must disagree with the first part . . . you don't need to be a beginner!
(Aside to Bill--I know that was your point, but I have to be a ESTJ or
whatever <g>). Along w/ Bill, I heartily and enthusiastically support the
use of these synthetic reeds.

They are beyond excellent for doubling. There is little in life as
embarrassing as being in the pit, picking up a sax that's cold and having
odd bits of noise come out instead of tone. There is a HUGE benefit to
being able to play them "dry."

On the larger horns, I don't think there is any denigration of tone quality.
I actually prefer to use a synthetic reed on tenor. While I still prefer to
use the nifty cane reeds on clarinet, I haven't yet tried a Legere--and am
open to a conversion as soon as I get to.

The only downside to these "reeds" is the expense. Youngsters can still
kill them (although it's harder to do), so you need to impress on them how
fragile they still are.

An aside--you can derive most of the benefits of the synthetic reed by using
Rico Plasticovers. They're cane, but covered w/ a film of black plastic.
Look really cool, if that makes a difference.

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

   
     Copyright © Woodwind.Org, Inc. All Rights Reserved    Privacy Policy    Contact charette@woodwind.org