Klarinet Archive - Posting 000886.txt from 2004/07

From: "Patricia A. Smith" <arlyss1@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] [clarinet] reeds and more reeds
Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 01:42:43 -0400

Gil, Chuck,

Just browsed the Superial website. Interesting. I plan to try the
Classiques, and possibly the D.C.'s sometime, funds permitting. So far,
the brands that work best for me are the Zondas, and the Gonzales reeds
from Davie cane. However, I like to keep a lookout for different brands
and try out anything that is promising.

I have found that nearly every Zonda reed plays really well for me with
a minimum of adjustment. The same is true of the Gonzaleses. I use, I
believe, somewhere around a 4 in a Zonda and about the same or a bit
harder? in the Gonzaleses; to tell you the truth, I don't remember! I
adjust all of my reeds, and one day, when all my kids are grown, I will
take up making my own! I wish I could now, but it's just not a
practical thing for me to do. :(

For Karen: definitely get a good, detailed book on making AND adjusting
single reeds. It will be the best investment you can make! And if at
all practical, start learning how to make your own. Most folks I talk
to use a Reed-Du-All, Reed Wizard, or some such gadget, which there's
nothing wrong with. Others do the whole nine yards by hand. If you can
find the Opperman reed book (I think it was reprinted recently? I have
an old one, and it's still good!), get it.

Patricia Smith

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