Klarinet Archive - Posting 000362.txt from 2001/10

From: "Robert Moody" <LetsReason@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: Eb Reeds for Eb mouthpieces
Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2001 01:47:01 -0400

Roger, you explained, <<If a person says, my reeds are too hard on this
particular mouthpiece, whatshould I do? My first thought is.....what kind
of mouthpiece is it, what
is the tip opening, and what is the length of the curve? Then I am in a
better position to suggest something than to simply tell them to try
different strength reeds and brands........even types (Bb vs. Eb).>>

This is funny to me. Really. I do not mean to insult and I hope that it
doesn't make me look naive. But come on! Seriously! This is nothing more,
to me at least, than saying, "Well I have this circular saw, I might as well
use it to make this toothpick." If the guy, and I hope you reread the
original post we responded to, wants to know what strength reed he should
use because the Vandoren 3.5 "seems too hard", we can...well...let's look at
what you said and I will adjust where I think it ends.

"If a person says, my reeds are too hard on this particular mouthpiece, what
should I do? My first thought is..." simply to try a softer reed. YES
there are factors at play considering the brand of reed, making sure the
ligature is fastened properly, is he using good breath support, IS it a new
mouthpiece, does he have a leak, etc.

I do not need to break out my "Mouthpiece facings from specific northern
European countries and their compatibility with various major brand reed
strengths" thesis and tell this guy to fess up about his "setup". Simply,
and especially on a list on the internet, if the reeds you are using seem "a
little too hard", then try the next size down.

Let's juxtapose this next to your comparison to a doctor (and I think this
is WAY out there in comparisons, but we can make it work)... "Some doctors
won't prescribe medication - even if they suspect something -they often will
wait until they know before prescribing. Others don't.........."

First, doctors are in a whole other ballpark as to why and when they
proscribe treatments. Even the how is directly effected by the when and
why. But, even taking the simple comparison at face value, you've heard the
joke. Right?

"Hey Doc...it hurts when I do this." the patient complains
"Don't do that." answers the doctor.

The simplest and easiest advice is the best advice 99% of the time, in my
opinion. I really think some of us, and myself as well(!), take ourselves
too seriously.

<<Does this help explain the other viewpoint?>>

Unfortunately...it does.

Robert

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