Klarinet Archive - Posting 000281.txt from 2003/10

From: OhSuzan419@-----.com
Subj: [kl] More on reeds
Date: Thu, 9 Oct 2003 13:04:02 -0400

el2@-----.edu writes:

> I am a case in point. I
> started on the clarinet 54 years ago, and have no idea what brand of
> reeds I used. I used to go to the music store, and like most young
> students, ask for "a clarinet reed."

Second the memory, Ed! Although it's "only" been 47 years since I started (in

7th grade, in a small town in Central Ohio, on a WWII vintage metal
instrument), we all played on the reeds available from the vending machine in
the
bandroom -- 25 cents a throw. And without intending the least bit of snobbery

(which I have no standing to claim), that's where I learned to despise Rico
reeds.
Sometimes there were other reeds in the machine, which I much preferred --
honestly, I don't remember the brand -- or perhaps I got them in Columbus on
those rare occasions when we went into town. But I do know I hated the Ricos.

I haven't heard any of you discuss the "Queen" brand. My teacher a few years
back taught me to select likely candidates from a box or two or six of #5
Queens, and trim, scrape, and shape the holy heck out of them. I ruined a
lot of
reeds that way, but still have a number of them that are playable today.

I would also appreciate hearing what the panel here would say about which
reeds compliment which mouthpiece. I have six mouthpieces. The one I
currently
like best is my newest one, the Fobes Debut. My second fave is this crystal
jobbie (brand?) the teacher who liked the Queens got for me. After that, I
have a
hard time telling the difference (three Selmers, and the Buffet that came
with
my instrument).

Former lurker and newbie,

Susan Kundert
Coshocton, OH

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