Klarinet Archive - Posting 000512.txt from 2000/10

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Mouthpieces (Was: Changes to Elite and other Buffets)
Date: Tue, 10 Oct 2000 10:21:38 -0400

Roger G. says: I would like to hear from some people who make reeds from tubes to find out what they do to prepare the blank prior to cutting the top and playing on it. What is the preparation of the reed blank designed to do? >>

Roger, as I have said before I currently use Vandorens I also made my own reeds for years and years. Why do I use Vandorens now?

1. I dont have time to work a day job, make reeds, make mouthpieces, and practise. Something had to go.

2. Potential buyers of my mouthpieces are much more likely to use Vandorens thane make their own reeds.

3. The Vandoren V-12 are damn good.

I was taught, and I have read in Stubbins' book to put a very high polish on the back of a reed. To successively sand with 320 sandpaper, 600 sandpaper, then to polish on newsprint.

I DO NOT put a high polish on the backs of my reeds now, and I would not do it if I was making my own reeds.

The problem lies in the fact that this seems to take away from the power of the reed, actually limiting the vibratory character of the reed, while at the same time allowing it to last much longer.....

A sad trade off....but I would rather have a lively reed that projects, than a dull one that lasts, and lasts, and lasts.

I am fairly happy with the longevity of the Vandorens that I put though my breaking in process, and store in the Vandoren reed cases.

I will polish a working reed on paper if it seems to be absorbing too much moisture, but this is usually a stopgap measure used on a reed which will ultimately not make it.

Walter
clarinetxpress.com

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