Klarinet Archive - Posting 000166.txt from 2002/05

From: w7wright@-----.net (William Wright)
Subj: RE: [kl] Mouthpiece help...
Date: Mon, 6 May 2002 21:34:56 -0400

<><> David=A0Naden wrote:
Reed strength is not related to the strength of your emborchure muscles.
Reed strength is related to the tip opening of the mouthpiece

The most desirable reed strength is related to several things, David ---
not just to one factor.

Tip opening is certainly a major factor, but embouchure strength and
geometry (exactly where on the reed do you place your lips and teeth?)
and breath support also influence (or should influence) your choice of
reed & strength. So should the sound that you want to produce at any
given moment, and the resistance of your instrument, and so forth.

After all, if strength was irrelevant, then students would start off at
their 'final' reed strength rather than working up to it.

Cheers,
Bill

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