Klarinet Archive - Posting 000340.txt from 2001/10

From: GrabnerWG@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: Eb Reeds for Eb mouthpieces
Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2001 22:13:30 -0400

One of the things that make Eb playing difficult is that one is playing at the extreme upper range for a "single reed/beak type mouthpiece".

Robert and others, I don't know what repertoire you are playing. 99% of my responses are conditioned by what a pro player would find in the generally accepted repertoire.

If you examine the repertoire for orchestral Eb clarinet you will find many instances where the Eb plays in the stratosphere, with high f,f#, and g frequent, and the occassional g# (four leger lines above the staff). I can't remember many a's or above, maybe others can augment what I'm saying.

BTW: I do not believe that this is the case in the band repertoire.

It's easy to get a nice tone and good response on an eb clarinet with a #3 or softer reed. In most cases, however, when you get above d (three spaces above the staff) the reed will be inadequate to support that level of vibration, and either play flat, or totally close up.

Anyone who has ever played "Til Eulenspeigel" will remember how critical intonation is, even while screaming in the upper register. There is a flute to tune with.

How well I remember sweating bullets, while playing the ultimate "Til" scream, along with Robin Peller, who is now, I believe in the Indianapolis Symphony.

I knew her pitch would be dead on. (and I would catch hell, if I was off). Anyway.......

Therefore, the crucial thing here is to balance a reed "light" enough (I hate to say soft) to product a nice crisp sound, with one that has the what-it-takes for the extreme high register.

This is another reason I like to use cut-off Bb reeds on the Eb. The extra thickness gives you the "oooompf" when you really need it.

Now, it's easy to say, we're ALL DIFFERENT, so different people will play different strengths on the same facing. To a certain extent that's true. One's natural jaw position may be more forward than the "norm" or vice versa, causing a slightly different leverage point.

However, to say that we're all different, so all bets are off, negates the value of this or any discussion.

SO.....I'm going to repeat what I said before.

"All else being equal, the facing of the mouthpiece will have the major influence on the strength of reed necessary to produce acceptable pitch, tone, and attack on the eb clarinet."

To which I will amend.....throughout the entire range of the instrument.

Cheerfully,
Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com

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