Klarinet Archive - Posting 000809.txt from 2003/05

From: Roger Shilcock <roger.shilcock@-----.uk>
Subj: Re: [kl] B45s and reeds, and mps, oh my.
Date: Fri, 30 May 2003 04:36:14 -0400

"Harder" reeds tend to have a higher density of fibres. This seems important,
notably for bass clarinets. Several list members seem to think, as I do,
that thinning down stiff bass reeds till they're comfortably
playable is preferable to trying to use a reed which is "soft" to begin
with.
Roger S.

In message <Law10-F55eBLIWBkDxv00061252@-----.org writes:
> <OPINION>
>
> Key word is "for me," regarding the B45. Again, it's a good mouthpiece, just
> doesn't *always* work for young players and I've seen enough problems to
> grow concerned about how much it's recommended.
>
> I think Walter has, as usual, cut through the philosophical maze and gotten
> to the brass tacks -- the mouthpiece and reed is a system. You tinker with
> both pieces to get the feel (80%) and sound (20%) you want. There is a
> limited range to play with - interestingly, I have two fairly different rigs
> for two totally different applications -- close facing with stiffer reed for
> chamber/orchestra; open facing/light reed for dance band. Both get me what I
> want when I want it.
>
> I do think, harkening back to what Bill H. said a long time ago -- "Aha! You
> guys who buy the stiff reeds just *whittle 'em down!*" Or words to that
> effect. Some people who buy 3.5 and stronger reeds do so consciously because
> they enjoy adjusting reeds and want a little extra strength to work with.
> Some people adjust reeds a lot because they buy stronger ones than their
> mouthpiece (and embouchure) can handle. In the latter case, they are
> possibly buying into some "macho" ideal of "real clarinet players play on
> strong reeds." I do hear that last position being extolled a lot, either
> overtly or covertly, to wit:
>
> -- absolute beginner students whose band directors tell them they must be on
> a #3 reed or higher (same band directors who sometimes dictate mouthpiece
> choices).
>
> -- people who sit around in a band or orchestra practice constantly trying
> another reed because they're unhappy with the last 12 they just tried. Could
> it be that if you can't find but 2 reeds in a box of 10 that play good,
> either the brand is wrong for you and your mouthpiece or you need a
> different strength?
>
> </OPINION>
>
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