Klarinet Archive - Posting 000338.txt from 2002/12

From: Bi6W@-----.net (Bill Wright)
Subj: Re: [kl] Reed strength
Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:47:22 -0500

<><> James Hobby wrote:
What mouthpiece characteristics (among other things, of course) effect
what strength reed one uses?

Two obvious characteristics are the size of tip opening and the length
of the curved part of the facing. (The larger the tip, the more the
reed must bend in order to close; and the longer the curved portion of
the facing, the less force is needed at the point where your lips and
teeth are pressing).

But there are also aerodynamic issues such as the shape inside the
mouthpiece, which affects the venturi force (the amount of suction
provided by air flowing over the reed) that helps close the reed against
the facing.

Given all the variables, including your own embouchure, I thnk it's fair
to say that the best guide is to find what's comfortable for you on a
particular set-up.

<><> Are student line mpcs set up to play a Rico 2.5? <g>

My student plastic horn came with a Rico 1.5 !!! Manufacturers of
student horns want to make sure that a beginner can make a sound of some
sort, no matter what.

Cheers,
Bill

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