Klarinet Archive - Posting 000344.txt from 2001/08

From: Clarguy3@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] I need Reed information
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 17:06:34 -0400

While Prof. Grabner has a good point, I don't exactly agree about
measurements, or about characteristics of measurements--there are certain
universals which are good to understand. Using just the tip of the reed as
an example, the most successful reeds seem to be somewhat thicker on the very
corners of the tip than in the center, right at the tip edge. This comes
from the curvature of the reed clipper blade climbing higher up the incline
on the edges than in the center, given that the tip is flat from side to
side. Another characteristic is the measurement at the very center of the
tip's edge--.005 inch is about as thick as anyone would ever want it, and any
thicker makes a bright sound and a sluggish altissimo. Often altering the
tip to.004 or slightly less will give a warmer, darker sound than previously.
This is true regardless of which style of mouthpiece one plays--close or
open, long or short, symmetrical or asymmetrical. Beyond that point the reed
optimally is a mirror image of the mouthpiece facing, concommitant with the
resistance of the instrument and the strength of the player.

I published a little article about reeds which discusses some other somewhat
technical information about reeds in THE CLARINET maybe two or three years
ago--if you're interested, you might look it up--probably late 1999 or 2000.

Of course, the cane is the great variable. You can make a bad reed with good
cane, but never a good reed with bad cane--ever!

Chuck West
Virginia Commonwealth University

<<
Tom P says:

<<But if I loved the model reed that much I wouldn't have started to make my
own. So I would like to hear from this list about reeds. I want to hear about
proportions, measurements, I want some science!>>

Tom, I could give you measurements, proportions, etc. for the reeds I do
make, but how will that help you?

You don't have the same mouthpiece(s) that I do, or the same mouth, or the
same tonal concept.

ALl I can tell you is to experiment and find what works best for you.

I can tell you that I prefer working with a reed blank that's at least 3 mm
thick. My finished reeds are approx. 13 mm across at the tip and taper to
11.5 mm at the butt. I try to keep the end of the vamp straight across and
not longer than 32 mm.

After that, I do what makes the reed vibrate.

I haven't been making a lot of reeds lately, because I wanted to standardize
on a commercial reed for my mouthpiece work. Now that I have more time on my
hands however, I plan on spening more time on reedmaking.
>>

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