Klarinet Archive - Posting 000341.txt from 2003/01

From: "Patricia A. Smith" <patricia@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Keeping reeds current; was, Legere reeds and ligatures
Date: Sun, 19 Jan 2003 10:54:18 -0500

Walter Grabner wrote:
> I'd like to add a little warning here. Although they do last considerably longer than cane reeds, and don't expire dramatically, Legere reeds are NOT meant to last forever. With months of playing, they do weaken, slowly and imperceptibly. Just as imperceptibly, your embouchure will adjust to the weaker reed, until new reeds come as a big shock.
>
> I would advise rotation of several reeds and the introduction of newer ones to the mix over time, to avoid the "over-use, worn-out" syndrome that some of you have reported.

Walter, this is good advice, not only for Legere users, but for the
part-time player who doesn't get to practice much - and all of a sudden
finds him/herself using a much less strong reed than in the past, not to
mention getting lazy in the air support department (note to self-hello
Patricia!) all because s/he didn't check reeds for some time! I've
really got to get into the habit of practicing more regularly. Of
course, giving my own kids lessons will help. Kids are the worst
critics. Even if they don't play, they know when I'm not doing my best,
believe me!

Patricia Smith

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