 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Dawn
Date: 2002-11-16 16:09
Hey, i just bought a V12 3. My dad only let me by 2. One of them didnt work at all,and i dont have the supplys to fix it. The other one sounds ok,althogh it makes a very "airy" sound. I know its the reed and not the mouthpiece or type of clarinet. I soaked it in water for about 30 min,that made it better. Any tips on making my reed better would be appreciated. And i only got one of them so i only got 1 chance to make it good.thanks
~~DAWN~~
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Author: William
Date: 2002-11-16 16:51
Reeds (especially VanDorens) are much cheaper by the box--and you will have a better chance of finding one that works for you.
Making it better?? First, I would not recommend soaking it in water--ever!! Rather, moisten it in your mouth--a minute should be sufficient--and then rub the vamp with your forefinger to seal the xylum left open during manufacture. Play it a little, then re-rub the vamp and let it sit for a couple for days before replaying it (each time, salival moistening only and rubbing the vamp before and after). This will help condition your new reed and help prolong it useful playing life. The other skill you should learn is balancing the sides and corners with a reed knife or some abrasive like reed rush or fine sandpaper. (I also use a Reed Wizard to help profile some "problem" reeds)
Unfortunately, in the "Making It Better Dept." there are no easy answers and many (often frustrated) clarinetists spend a lifetime (or two) trying to master the many reed adjusting skills necessary for good tonal focus and response. The "Handbook For Making and Adjusting Single Reeds" by Kalmen Opperman would be informative reading for you. Another might be "Perfect A Reed....and Beyond", an informative (and enteraining) manual on reed adjustment by our good friend and Sneezy sponser, Ben Armato.
Given all of this, if the "airy" sound persisits, try some V12 2.5's until your embouchure strengthns sufficiently for the stronger (higher numbered) reeds. Given a couple of years of regular practice and playing experiance, you probably should have progressed to V12 3.5 or 4.0's, depending upon your own particular mouthpiece tip opening.
In any case, good reading and good luck!!!!
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Author: susannah
Date: 2002-11-16 20:32
if the sound is airy and hard to play?, and got better (ie. softer) when you soaked it, it sounds like the reed is too hard for you at the moment. Try some 2 1/2s or maybe even 2's and everything might be solved for you!
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