Klarinet Archive - Posting 000750.txt from 1999/09

From: Christian Budde <emv080@-----.de>
Subj: Re: [kl] more questions from a beginner
Date: Thu, 23 Sep 1999 05:13:54 -0400

On Wed, 22 Sep 1999, Dee D. Hays wrote:
> However when you
> start playing regularly in the 3rd register (called altissimo by the way),
> you may be flat in pitch and develop the very bad habit of biting or
> pinching to get up to pitch. So once you're into this third register, a 3
> 1/2 is about right.

In my experience, if a reed plays flat (because it is too weak) in the
altissimo, biting does not work at all. One will close the opening
totally. Only on a reed that has the right strength one is tempted to
bite if the muscles are tired.

BTW: I started playing at the age of 11 and my teacher put me directly
on Esser 3, which I am still (again) playing today. They are just
right for the mouthpiece I use. Why change?

My advice (to the beginner): A reed must match the mouthpiece, so
experiment with different strengths when you begin to practice
(embouchure not tired), then stick to the one you liked best _for a
long time_. Then, after a year or so, if you are not satisfied any
more, do this again.

HTH,
Christian

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