The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: FT
Date: 2001-12-31 18:48
How much $ will I have to invest to start making my own reeds??? ( like you know, books, knives...)
Thanks(again)
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Author: Jerry McD
Date: 2001-12-31 21:19
FT,
Here are the basics for what you will need. You will have to check the prices at your favorite music shop (I would recommend mail order, from which there are several good places such as International Music Suppliers, Fred Weiners, Woodwind & Brasswind etc.)
I would start with getting David Pino's book "The Clarinet and Clarinet Playing" (there is a really good description with pictures about making reeds). He has a list of tools that you need, but I would modify it a little.
X-acto knife (I would try several different blade types to see which you like, try #22)
reed knife and sharpening stone
2 glass plates - check <Jeanne-inc.com> they have both sizes: one for larger work on the table and a smaller one for finishing work with the reed knife.
sandpaper - 200 grit and 600 wet/dry. Some people prefer 400 but I think that takes off too much
reed clipper
ruler - small transparent type you can get at any hobby store
reed blanks - I would buy the pre-cut blanks before investing in the tools required for splitting
and shaping your own cane (saves probably $80-$100, but if you like making your own reeds and have a knack for it, you will eventually want to do get these items)
WHAT YOU DON'T NEED
files
thickness gauge - this is another tool that is nice to have and if you decide that you want to continue making your own reeds you will eventually want one.
I would venture to say that you can get all of the necessities for under $70 - $80. I would also say that even if you don't make your own reeds you should still own a reed knife and reed clipper which are the basic tools and yet the most expensive items on the list. I should also mention that even if you don't make a lot of really good reeds you will learn alot from the endeaver and you will become MUCH more adept at adjusting commercial reeds.
Happy scraping! And let us know how it comes out.
Jerry McD.
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Author: Jerry McD
Date: 2001-12-31 21:20
Ooops...
for the glass plates mentioned above I tried to do a link and it didn't work.
try jeanne-inc.com.
Jerry McD.
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