Klarinet Archive - Posting 000390.txt from 1999/11

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: [Legere reeds with different mpths, Was: Is this when
Date: Wed, 10 Nov 1999 21:05:07 -0500

In a message dated 11/10/99 4:24:32 PM Central Standard Time,
Sordino7@-----.com writes:

<<
Speaking of Legere reeds, I am waiting for my order to come in. I play on a
James Pyne mouthpiece, and usually use Vandoren V-12 strength 4 reeds.
However, I tried a few of my professor's Legere strength 4 reeds and since
they were far too soft, I ordered a 4 1/2 and a 4 3/4. Why is it that I
have
to play on reeds that are so much stronger with this mouthpiece? >>

The strength of the reed depends on the facing of the mouthpiece. The larger
the tip
opening, the less resistant the reed needs to be. Tip opening vary
considerably, at least a half a millimeter. Your mouthpiece must have a
fairly close tip opening.

<< Also, I talked to one of my colleagues, a doctoral student who used to
play on a
Pyne, and she said that the Legere reeds might not work at all for this
mouthpiece because of balance issues. What was she talking about? Are the
Legere reeds really a futile attempt on a Pyne mouthpiece?>>

I have no idea what she was talking about. If the facing is fairly
symmetrical, you should be able to find a Legere strength that works on it.

<< Since I can never be happy with the work I do on my reeds,>>

Why not? All it takes is practise.

<< and also with the weather changes affecting the cane, the idea of a
non-warping plastic reed sounds almost too good to be true.>>

Learn to cure your reeds so that humidity affects them less.

<< What kind of mouthpiece do they seem to work the best on- >>

I have tried Hawkins, Smith, Borbeck, and my own mouthpieces with Legere
reeds. If you pick the right strength - no problem!

Walter Grabner
ClarinetXpress
Hand-Crafted Mouthpieces
"Making Clarinet Reeds by Hand"
http://www.clarinetxpress.com

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