Klarinet Archive - Posting 000258.txt from 2004/06

From: "Patricia A. Smith" <arlyss1@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] "Necessary" Reed working tools; was, I agree
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 10:05:48 -0400

Lelia Loban wrote:

>For instance, the recent unfortunate off-topic excursion into politics and religion unexpectedly led to a learning opportunity for me, when several people decided to change the subject to reeds. That subject led to comparing tools for modifying reeds (a timely discussion, since I've decided that, despite my preference not to tinker with reeds very much, I do need to own such a tool), and now we have discussion of the reeds for German-style clarinets.
>
>

I too have learned a lot from various topics here, not only about the
clarinet itself, but also about various means of best conveying ideas to
students.

Concerning reed working tools:

1) What do each of you (who choose to respond to this) believe are the
most necessary tools for working on reeds? This question is directed to
those who use store bought reeds, like myself.
I find that I do use my reed knife on rare occasions, but I prefer very
fine sand paper, and the fine side of an emery board in emergencies. I
also use Dutch rush regularly if I have to take off a LOT from the reed
(normally not something I care to do, since, in my experience, it tends
to alter the reed way too much). I also like to keep on hand the
ultrafine "dark" sanding paper (it's called something else, and I cannot
remember what) for finishing the flat side of reeds. I usually dry
reeds flat side up for the first few times, until all the "kinks" are
out, but I wonder just how much of this is simple superstition, not
borne out by the facts. Of course, the last few times, I've simply
taken them out of the box and played them, making sure I rotate them so
that I don't overplay favorites. I store them in a commercial reed case
(one of the blue Vandoren cases, with the carbon filter in the midst)

2) For those who make their own reeds, what materials do you suggest for
someone who is just starting to do this? Many people appear to
recommend doing this, so it does seem to be an area that perhaps I
should explore once I have a bit more time. Following on to Lelia's
post, I thought it would be a good thing to post this question, since,
as she notes, German mouthpieces require a different cut reed than do
French/British/American/other mouthpieces.

I apologize for any innacuracies in the above.

Patricia Smith

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