Klarinet Archive - Posting 000347.txt from 2002/12

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Reed strength
Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 17:18:03 -0500

At 09:47 AM 12/13/2002 -0800, Bill Wright wrote:
> <><> 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).

All else being equal (and it seldom is), the larger the tip opening, the
softer the reed you must use. Also, the shorter the facing, the softer the
reed required. Thus, a large opening with a short facing would require a
VERY soft reed to make the sharp bend and long travel. Conversely, a
narrow tip and a long facing would work best with a stiff reed. In between
are such mouthpieces as the Vandoren B45, with a relatively large opening,
but a long lay, working out to a "medium" reed requirement (roughly a
Vandoren 2 1/2 or 3).

Bill Hausmann

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!

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