Klarinet Archive - Posting 000795.txt from 2000/04

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: [kl] The tip of the reed............to clip or not to clip.....That is
Date: Wed, 19 Apr 2000 09:23:23 -0400

In a message dated 4/18/00 9:46:18 PM Central Daylight Time,
leupold_1@-----.com writes:

<< Walter, the rest of your post I understood, but as a beginner, I'm
unclear about
> the statement above. What do you mean "the tip must extend back evenly
across
> the reed"? I'm sure the pros on the list understand this, but could you
please
> give me a longer explanation of exactly what I would need to do to test
this?

It's a matter of semantics. I'm pretty sure Walter was referring to the
*flexibility* of the tip of the reed, not just the tip of the reed itself.
Re-read his statement with this interpretation in mind.
>>
This is great, a classic case of read my mind. By definition the tip of the
reed, what ever shape it is in, extends across the reed!

I will endeavor to make myself clear, running on yet only ONE cup of coffee
so far, this may be difficult.

I my view of the world, the extreme tip of the reed can be viewed (mentally)
as a 2 mm deep section of the reed that accomplishes the final vibration of
the reed, and actually meets the similarily shaped "tip rail" of the
mouthpiece.

As I write this, I am looking at my index finger, which has a nail somewhat
in need of trimming. There is a clear semi-circle visible above the "pink
stuff" that visually reminds me of how I want to think of my reeds. (OK If
this is too far out, ignore this paragraph, and NO I don't do any drugs,
living with THIS brain is psychedilc enough).

Behind this "fingernail" shaped flexible tip, is a more resistant area that
begins to become thicker, but not evenly, more as a parabolic shape, with the
resistance in the center of the reed and more flexibility on the sides.

Anyway, that defines what I call the "flexible" tip of the reed. If when
clipping, you remove too much of this flexible tip, you must restore the tip
or the reed with become harsh, buzzy, unresponsive, etc.

Learning to shape the tip of the reed is to me, essential to the production
of clear focused tone, especially in the critical throat tones. Also, the tip
rail of the mouthpiece must be "sympatico" with what the reed is trying to do.

OK,,,That's the Walter view of the Universe.

Wish I could draw a picture here.......

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