 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Garth Libre
Date: 2013-04-04 22:41
I've just moved up a step or two in reed strength from 2 3/4 to 3 or 3 1/4. Fortunately I use Legere reeds which are offered in 1/4 strength options. The reason I moved up in strength is because I simply could not play anything above C above the staff without being flat and even the slightest irregularity in my attack or breath resulted in an annoying quiver in my pitch. Long tones were not as rich as I like , nor were high notes dependable and crisp. Even moving up to a 3 strength gave me confidence. pitch correction and a more stable and full tone. The problem is that anything more than 1/2 hour steady practice now results in my embouchure leaking and I have to stop. With a 2 3/4 reed I could play an hour or more with no problem.
What I enjoy now is hearing a warmth and full beauty in my tone that inspires me to work with whatever difficulties arise from the change. I use a Yamaha 4CM mouthpiece for both my Yamaha Custom and my R-13 and alternate each horn by the week. The Buffet is less resistant but fuller and the Yamaha is brighter and has better and easier to use key work.
I'm seeing the possibility in my mind of one day being good, not great, but good enough to enjoy playing a broad spectrum of work from Jazz to Classical. For the record I'm 15 months into steady practice after a 40 year lay-off.
Garth, 305-981-4705. garthlibre@yahoo.com
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Author: William
Date: 2013-04-05 15:04
If a stronger reed plays better for you, than use it. However, I would caution against relying too much on strength rather than control. There is not point in playing a reed that will give you "the sound" if your embouchure quickly tires during practice or a gig. Depending on the tip opening of your mouthpiece, I would think a 3 or 3 1/4 Legere would be sufficient to play easily in all registers. If not, than the problem is not so much your reed but the lack of strength in your embouchure and consistancy of breath support. Keep up the regular practice and you should do just fine--stay in touch.
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Author: MichelleAnderson
Date: 2013-04-05 18:57
Hi Garth,
it is always very exciting when we make a break through, and sound the way we want to sound! I think your choice to use a stiffer read, is a very smart one. When someone plays on a reed that is too soft, having flatness in the high register and an out-of-control sound is very common. I agree with William that air support is one of the most important contributors to good sound. I find, that if I am using my air properly, I need the stronger reed to support a full and beautiful sound. For what it is worth, I have several adult students, who like yourself, have returned to the clarinet after some years away. It is normal to have your mouth muscles get tired more quickly when you upgrade to a stronger reed. The good news is, that these muscles do improve their strength relatively quickly. My guess, is that in a few weeks, you probably will not notice your embouchure getting tired. I find that clarinetists who want a beautiful warm, traditional classical sound, usually play on at least a 3 1/2 to sound their best. Of course it makes sense to gradually work your way stronger, as you are doing. It sounds to me, like you are totally on the right track, and having a lot of fun as well. I hope you continue to find ways to create the sounds that you want to create. - Michelle
Michelle Anderson - www.clarinetmentors.com
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Author: Garth Libre
Date: 2013-04-05 19:59
Thank you Michelle-
How strange that this very week, I discovered your clarinet mentors web site. I've seen about a dozen or so of your videos and find them considerably more beneficial than Play with a Pro and/or numerous other sites purporting to teach clarinet technique. I don't feel I lack discipline, but perhaps time, as this is the second time I am attempting to better myself in an artistic field. I started with clarinet when I was a teenager in high school and had to quit because I was admitted into a prestigious ballet program soon after leaving high school. That was an all day -every day commitment which resulted in a ten year professional career and left no time or energy for another course of study . I have limited time nowadays because I am a devoted father to my home schooled 9 year old son, but I still manage to squeeze in the better part of an hour each day. I was so surprised to hear that at one time you were told you lacked discipline but found it later in your development. You seem so centered, efficient and accomplished now, and it is for this reason I would recomment your clarinetmentors.com site to other board members.
Garth, 305-981-4705. garthlibre@yahoo.com
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Author: Paula S
Date: 2013-04-05 20:34
Garth, I think you must be my soul mate as a born again clarinettist!
I feel the same as you having been seriously back on the scene now for 8 months.
I too have found myself wavering between reed strengths. I have two different mouthpieces which are an original B and H 1010 2 and a 'new'Pillinger pre-war design 1010 mouthpiece. Both are wonderful and the Pillinger really helps my fluidity but I did sound a bit 'bawdy' initially on both my Eaton clarinets and my 1010s with the Pillinger and a Legere 3.75 but have changed my voicing to 'aws' in the chalumeau and 'oos' in the clarion and it sounds great now. I did try a 4 and it sounded very rich but at the expense of some fluidity.
I think there has to be a compromise as I don't think one can 'have it all' without some adjustment ;-) Sometimes I use a different reed strength according to the type of piece I am playing.
Michelle, as an aside your whisper breathing exercise is one of the best there is ;-)
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