 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: janlynn
Date: 2012-11-05 16:54
I wrote a small article for my beginner parents and students.
I'm too chicken to post it here for review...... so i just want your thoughts so i can see if im on track in my thinking.
of course some of it is personal opinion.
maybe after I will be brave enough to post it either on this same thread or a new one.
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Author: weberfan
Date: 2012-11-05 18:11
Aww, c'mon. Post it. Otherwise, what's the point?
I'm sure it's fine. And, you know, no one on this site ever has a strong opinion on reeds or anything else.
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Author: janlynn
Date: 2012-11-05 18:22
okay - i'll take a chance.....im afraid that i - i dont know. Please dont be too harsh on me.
REEDS
the reed you use is a personal decision as well as what is right for your clarinetmouthpiece. In the beginning, you will most likely use the kind of reed that is recommended to you. As you progress, you may want to experiment and choose your own. There are hundreds of reed brands to choose from. Here is a short list of some I recommend.
What Brand
Rico is the most common brand recommended for beginners. They are the least expensive and most local music stores carry them. Beginners tend to break or chip reeds and that is why Rico's are recommended.
Rico Royal is a slightly better reed with better cane and not much more than Rico's. They are also carried by most local music stores. It is the brand I recommend.The nice thing about Rico's and Rico Royal's is that you dont have to buy a whole box.
Vandoren is one of the more popular reed brands among more experienced players. The quality of cane is much better, and therefore more expensive. Some music stores will carry these, some will have to order them for you.
Vandoren V12 has a thicker "heel" than the traditional Vandoren's making the bottom of the reed more stable. Most music stores will not carry these.
Rico Reserve are good quality hand selected reeds. They are excellent quality but can be pricey. Most music stores will not carry these.
Synthetic - There are several synthetic (plastic) reeds available. Many people like them because they last a long time and they dont change with the weather like cane, and some people do not like them because they do not produce the same tone quality as cane. Synthetic reeds can cost around $25 -$35 but can last for many many years. It is my personal belief that if you choose to use a plastic reed, do not use it exclusively. There are two main synthetic reeds on the market right now - Legere, and ForesTone.
What Strength
Most beginners should start with a #2 1/2. Some may need a slightly softer reed and some may need a slightly harder reed. In the beginning you need to experiment to find what is right for you. Because reeds are made from cane, they are effected by the weather and not any one will play the same as another. It may not even play the same day to day. As the embouchure develops (mouth muscles) you will feel the need to increase the strength of the reed. It is a misconception that the "better" player uses a stronger reed. The "better" player has been playing longer and a more developed embouchure. Most intermediate to advanced players will use a #3 - #4.
How to tell when you have found the right one
In general, the "perfect" reed will produce a clear focused sound with good tone. You should be able to feel some resistance. If you need to blow forcefully, or get an "airy" sound, most likely the reed is too hard. If it takes little effort to get a sound out, and the tone is flat, most likely the reed is too soft.
Taking care of your reeds
Always take the reed off the mouthpiece before putting your clarinet away. It is best to wipe it off and store it in a reed guard. A reed guard is NOT the same as the case that you receive the reeds in. These cases do not allow the tip of the reed to lie flat and this means that could become warped and unplayable.
How long does a reed last and how to tell when its time to change reeds
For most people, you will "just know"....the reed will no longer respond the way it did when you first started using it. You may no longer like the sound. It will lose resistance.
How long a reed lasts is different for everyone. It depends on how well the reed is taken care of and how often it is used. *Reed polishing and rotating your reeds will help them last longer.
It is very important that you have at least 2 reeds ready to play when you come to your lesson and preferably 3 or 4. Please do not bring chipped or broken reeds to your lesson.
Where to buy supplies
Most local music stores will carry common brand reeds and reed guards at retail price. It is a good place to buy one or two reeds so you are able to try and find what you like.
Online music stores usually have better prices and more supplies and variety to choose from. (however, reeds are usually sold in a box of 10).
Here are some websites I use to order supplies
1. www.muncywinds.com
2. www.woodwindbrasswind.com
3. www.weinermusic.com
* Reed polishing should be done by the teacher
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2012-11-05 19:52
I would include Mitchell Luries in that list - they are superior to Plain Old Ricos while having roughly the same price tag.
--
Ben
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