 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Noelene
Date: 2006-07-21 04:46
Hello all
I am new to this forum (as well as being a fairly recent clarinet player) and I have a question.
How do I tell when I need to replace a reed? All the research I have done online tells me to rotate reeds (which I already do) and tells me to throw the reeds out when they sound bad. How can I tell when they sound bad? Might be obvious to some, but I have been playing on the same four reeds for over six months and to my ear, none of them yet sound bad. I am using Rico Royal 2.5 reeds. How long are they supposed to last?
I would appreciated any input.
Regards,
Noelene
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Author: z123carleigh
Date: 2006-07-21 05:40
I replace my reed when I feel the tone quality is deteriorating and when I can't reach the upper notes properly. I try to have newer reeds in my rotation along with my older ones, so I can hear any difference. My reeds usually last around 2 months if I'm good. If I were you, I would try some new reeds and see how they compare to the ones you are using now.
When I first started playing, I used to use the same reeds for around 6 month stretches or longer too, but when I tried new reeds, they would always sound better. Because deterioration of reeds is gradual you usually don't notice it.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2006-07-21 07:17
I change a reed when it feels too soft to play, when it is so old that the back of it is disggusting, or when the weather forces me to play a different reed (some reeds will work great in one weather but not in another).
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Author: BassClarinetGirl
Date: 2006-07-21 11:33
Also, if the reed starts to get little chips or cracks in the top, it's time to replace it. If you are careful with them, they will generally have a good life of about two months, depending on how many you have in rotation.
BCG
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Author: graham
Date: 2006-07-21 12:05
but, older reeds need more warming up, so only discard a reed after you have given it the opportunity to warm up properly.
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Author: Noelene
Date: 2006-07-22 04:08
Thank you to all for your replies and excellent advice. It seems that the helpful reputation of this board is well deserved.
My reeds still look great. I examine the tips carefully on a regular basis. While they still sound ok, I think they have got a little softer because when I tried a new reed, it was difficult to get it to play correctly at first. This is probably normal?
Anyway, thanks again. I will put a couple of new reeds in my rotation as advised.
Regards,
Noelene
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Author: mnhnhyouh
Date: 2006-07-22 06:31
Can I ask how many hours people think they might be getting out of a good reed before it is ditched?
h
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Author: clarinetdaddy
Date: 2006-07-22 23:48
Hello Noelene,
It is best if you can rotate at least six reeds at anytime. If you are using one reed at a time until it gets bad you are heading for trouble. This reed will start to soften and then your emboucure will also weaken. Then you try a new reed and this reed being the same strength as your old one will feel real hard. Try to rotate your reeds. No real answer on how long they will last. It all depends on you! and the way you practice and play.
clarinetdaddy
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do
nothing".
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Author: joeyscl
Date: 2006-07-22 23:50
When to replace reeds?
When you are no longer happy with it :D
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Author: clarinetmaniac101
Date: 2006-07-23 01:48
I replace my reeds when my reeds get stuffy or airy or the tip of the reed is just gone to the point where my tone no longer sounds good it sounds very reedy that is when I know to replace my reeds and also when you can't reach higher notes as well when you first got the reed then it is time to get another....I hope this helped...laters
Rashad
*clarinet
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2006-07-23 05:12
I'll also add, that sometimes I change a reed but keep it (for example if I change because of weather or playing condition). It happened many times that a reed didn't work for a few days, but a couple of days or even weeks later it was great again.
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Author: beejay
Date: 2006-07-24 22:10
Never throw away a reed for good unless you are really sure. In this hot weather, I've recovered a dozen reeds from my rejects box that now play really well. Trouble is, I'm too hot to blow.
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