Klarinet Archive - Posting 000345.txt from 2002/12

From: Karl Krelove <karlkrelove@-----.net>
Subj: RE: [kl] Reed strength
Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 16:47:47 -0500

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bill Wright [mailto:Bi6W@-----.net]
>
> <><> James Hobby wrote:
> <><> 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

Which, I submit based on my teaching experience, is an awful idea. I've
never run into a student who couldn't produce a full sound on the original
equipment mouthpieces supplied with the Yamahas, Buffet Evettes, Bundies or
Vitos using a #2 Rico, and most can actually play with a more controlled
tone using a #2-1/2. Unless there's something physically wrong with the
individual mouthpiece. For the very rare child (who I suppose must exist)
who can't manage the #2, it's easy enough to substitute a 1-1/2. Too light a
reed causes even a beginner to take a fundamentally bad approach to
embouchure that is counterproductive in the longer process.

We stipulate in the rental contract we negotiate for our students that
replacements be supplied for the 1-1/2 reeds that Yamaha puts in the cases.

Karl Krelove

Karl Krelove

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