 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: SuzyQ
Date: 2004-11-29 22:58
I have a reed which I am really loving...(surprise, surprise!) I also am getting my FIRST chance to perform solo in my teacher's studio recital next Sunday.
How do I keep this reed playing well?? Is there any thing I can do to make sure it will still play well next Sunday? I am really excited about the recital, and want to play my best.
To my sorrow, the reed is already a bit moldy. Will it grow even if I don't play on the reed?
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Author: pewd
Date: 2004-11-29 23:50
mould wont grow without the presence of moisture. dry it off, put it in a reedguard , store it outside the case. if using a reedguard with a cover, remove the cover let it dry out.
and find 4,5 other good reeds, what if this one gets broken?
you should always have 4,5 good ones in your rotation, playing a different reed each day. dont play the same one until it falls apart.
part of your practice time every day should be devoted to working on your reeds. i spend 5-10 minutes a day working up new reeds into my rotation.
tons of threads on this subject here. search the archives.
paul
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Contra
Date: 2004-11-30 01:05
If you really want to use that reed, then start using another until that day. As long as its kept properly, it should still be great to use.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-11-30 02:03
Contra wrote:
> As long as its kept properly, it should still
> be great to use.
There is no guarantee that a reed working to your satisfaction one day will perform the same way on a different day, regardless of how it is stored, kept or preserved.
External factors which you have little control over (temperature, humidity, etc...) have a great deal to do with reed performance.
Thus, keep a number of reeds (minimum 4) in a performance ready state. To cover all contingencies it is also wise to have some of these reeds prepared slightly softer and some slightly harder than usual.
I tell my students to use a rotation based on the "Rule of 12" -
- Have 4 newer reeds which are in the process of being broken in and adjusted.
- Have 4 fully prepared reeds which are performance ready.
- Have 4 older reeds which are for practice sessions.
- As the newer reeds reach performance level, move them into the 2nd group. Then begin to break in a new batch (4) of reeds.
- As the performance reeds pass their prime, move them into the practice group.
- As the practice reeds wear out or become too difficult to play, toss them out.
Professionals often double, or triple the above numbers.
...GBK
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Author: allencole
Date: 2004-11-30 04:53
I generally keep 12-16 reeds going, but not in a truly systematic way. This 4-4-4 system makes good sense, and would keep things moving. Very nice, GBK!
Allen Cole
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Author: Dee
Date: 2004-11-30 13:50
I like to keep a box of 10 as my rotation. Each time I set up to play, I tak a reed off the right end. When I'm done, I put that reed on the left end. If a reed doesn't play right on that particular day, I put it on the left end and get another one from the right end. When a reed seems to be shot, I discard it and put a new one from another box in the rotation. When that backup box is empty, I go buy another box.
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2004-11-30 13:59
There is no guarantee that your reed even without playing on will be the same by the time the recital comes about...I would invest a bit of time on getting or finding other reeds that work. I sometimes do as many as five concerts a week and also know that different locales will also affect what may the perfect reed at home. So, be cautious and try to get a few more reeds working so as to be fully prepared...
David Dow
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Author: SuzyQ
Date: 2004-11-30 16:34
Thanks for all of the suggestions.
I guess I should clear up that I indeed do have other reeds that work and I do indeed play on other reeds (I haven't done the "play on one reed a week straight thing" since was I was a beginner). ...
This one in particular just really "sings" for me. But I'm coming to realize I guess that there is not any guarantee that it will still sing for me on Sunday. :-)
Thanks all.
Suz
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Author: salvey
Date: 2004-12-02 01:39
Rather than get sucked into the Reed Game, try a Fibracell or Legere.
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