Klarinet Archive - Posting 000185.txt from 2000/11

From: Simon_Aldrich@-----.ca (Simon Aldrich)
Subj: [kl] Re: reed strength
Date: Fri, 3 Nov 2000 13:11:25 -0500

>Does anyone know what method is used to achieve the
>required strength of a reed
>during the manufacturing process?

The man in charge of reedmaking at Vandoren (his name
ecsapes me at the moment) came to Montreal a few years
ago and gave a lecture on the reedmaking process.
To determine reed strength they press a guage into the butt
of the reed (whence the indents on the butt).
This guage measures the density of the cane.
The more dense the cane the "harder" it seems.

He added that in a box of a given strength of reed, they do in fact
include a reed of slightly lesser density and one of slightly greater
density.
For me this put into new light the old joke of the person touring
the Vandoren factory. He asks to meet the person who puts the one good
reed in every box.
Turns out to be closer to reality than we thought.

Simon Aldrich

Principal Clarinet - Montreal Opera Orchestra
Principal Clarinet - Montreal Metropolitain Orchestra
Nouvel Ensemble Moderne

Clarinet Instructor - University of Sherbrooke
Clarinet Instructor - Bishop's University

simona@-----.org
(514) 843-7550

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