 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Denny G
Date: 2003-03-06 21:30
I am in the market for a reed clipper and am somewhat overhwelmed by the range of choices. Any suggestions as to what features I should look for, or avoid? Thanks!
Post Edited (2003-03-06 22:31)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2003-03-06 21:45
Features?
I can see little point in the contraptions which hold the reed and adjust it forward and back relative to the blade. They are particularly undesirable if they allow sideways wobble, as many seem to.
Our fingers and eyes are excellent for lining things up; a thumb is an excellent clamp to hold the reed in position.
The only really important feature is that the cut is a good shape, clean, sharp, and accurate. This is also the expensive part of manufacture. The rest is unnecessary contraptionery. The best cutter I have come across is very old, is superbly made, and very simple.
Sorry, I cannot compare current models.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GBK
Date: 2003-03-06 21:49
Cordier makes the best reed trimmer - bar none.
They do not last forever, and cannot be sharpened. When it begins to get dull, replace the entire reed trimmer.
Search this board under "cordier" (no quotes) for lots of tips on usage. I believe Ken Shaw has written a very nice piece which you should read...GBK
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2003-03-07 05:00
Hi Denny,
An interesting topic that many of us probably want to know about so thanks for posting. For many years, I always used a Cordier (for both sax and clarinet - not the same one of course) but the alignment is pretty difficult and it takes a good bit of practice to get everything just right.
The one I prefer is a very simple clipper with no special clamp to hold the reed or move it. It is all about thumb (Gordon is right on) and having a good eye. I'll show you the one I mean next Tuesday at band practice!
HRL
![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif)
Post Edited (2003-03-08 13:21)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
