Klarinet Archive - Posting 000031.txt from 1999/12

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Reed/mouthpiece combo, was:Blackmaster reeds
Date: Thu, 2 Dec 1999 00:41:18 -0500

In a message dated 12/1/99 10:21:18 PM Central Standard Time,
Simon_Aldrich@-----.ca writes:

<< When I check the fit of the reed with the mouthpiece window often
the reed (always a V12)
is too wide for the window. In this case articulation is difficult and the
setup is very resistant.
A remarkable number of mouthpieces have windows narrower than the
V12. Half my Kapars are like that. Blackmasters always work better on
these
narrower-windowed mouthpieces. >>

Most mouthpieces are designed for a reed that is 13 mm wide at the tip. Lat
time I measured V-12's they were 13.2 mm.

So are Grand Concerts.

A little extra width adds "darkness" to the tone. Too much adds DULLNESS.

It's easy to narrow a reed. In my booklet "Making Clarinet Reeds by Hand" I
describe this process. It involves laying a piece of 320 wet-or-dry sandpaper
on a very flat surface, then holding the reed at the shoulder sand the edge,
pulling toward your body and away from the tip of the reed.

A little narrowing can do wonders for a reed. Too much makes them sound
bright and thin.

The important thing here is what Simon mentions...the reed you use should
match your mouthpiece.

My playing has really improved since I began working on mouthpieces. I
fashion the mouthpiece to a particular brand/size of reed. Since I know the
exact dimension of the tip, I can alter the reed to match if I need to.

What a big difference this makes! Wish I had known this stuff 20 years
ago!!!!!!

Walter Grabner
who is...........
ClarinetXpress
Mouthpieces & More!!!!
http://www.clarinetxpress.com

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