Klarinet Archive - Posting 000260.txt from 2004/06

From: Richard Bush <rbushidioglot@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] "Necessary" Reed working tools; was, I agree
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 10:22:29 -0400

I consider four things basic for reed adjustment and carry all three
when going anywhere and doing anything away from home. These four items
are: 1) reed trimmer, 2) 1/4" thick plate glass (small enough to fit in
the case and usually an individual reed easel 1" X 4"), 400 grit
wet/dry sandpaper same size as plate glass and 4) dutch rush. With
these four items I can do anything that needs doing.

Richard Bush
rbushidioglot@-----.net
On Jun 17, 2004, at 8:04 AM, Patricia A. Smith wrote:

> 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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