Klarinet Archive - Posting 000212.txt from 2002/03

From: w6w@-----. Wright)
Subj: Re: [kl] Reed question
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 23:10:48 -0500

<><> Bishop@-----.=A0Jackson=A0III wrote:
Just what goes into reed customization? I haven't got there yet so I
don't know it but how much trimming can one do to get the "perfect"
sound?

If you buy a reed knife ($20), a reed trimmer ($25), some 60-grit and
320-grit wet-or-dry sandpaper, a small piece of window glass (be sure to
sand or otherwise cover the edges so you don't injure yourself), and a
book such as Larry Guy's "Selection, Care and Adjustment of Single
Reeds" ($20-$25)..... you can do quite a bit. I believe that Gary Van
Cott, who posts on this list, sells the book (http://www.vcisinc.com),
among others.

In addition to the fact that _few_ reeds are exactly the right strength
for you, or perfectly balanced, when you first open the box, and in
addition to the fact that reeds last longer if they're conditioned
properly, there's also the advantage that you can change a reed whenever
you want to. As an example, a couple of moths ago I decided in the
middle of the night that I wanted to practice on a stiffer reed. So I
whipped out my clipper and added 1/2-strength to one of my reeds. It
didn't sound quite right, but rather than discarding it, I looked at it
under a strong light and decided that the spine was too wide. So I
shaved it on both edges. It sounded great afterwards, but now it
wasn't as stiff as I wanted. So I clipped it again. Some folks may
shudder as this 'reed massacre', but it gave me the reed I wanted at
that particular moment.

That's what you can do if you have a few simple tools and have learned a
few basic techniques by practicing and experimenting.

Cheers,
Bill

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