 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: angella
Date: 2000-04-17 01:13
Can anyone tell me why a reed chirps, specifically? What makes them do that, how can you fix it--- can anyone do better than a guess?
I hate chirpy reeds!
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Author: anon
Date: 2000-04-17 11:41
check your ligature and make sure the reed is secure. Sometimes it is not the reed. Sometimes it means the insturment or reed is moving.
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Author: Dave Spiegelthal
Date: 2000-04-17 17:07
There are two main causes for Reedus Chirpimus. The first is a reed with a thin spot at the tip, or a weak spot (which will eventually split). The second, very common, is a mouthpiece with an unbalanced facing. Certain reed brands, for example, Olivieri and Zonda (both of which are, nonetheless, favorites of mine) are more prone than others to chirping because of a tip defect. Many mouthpieces cause chirping, but can be easily remedied by a competent refacer.
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Author: Lelia
Date: 2000-04-17 17:25
Another common type of mouthpiece problem that can cause chirping is a hairline crack in the tip. Take a look in strong light with a good magnifying glass. I had a mouthpiece I really liked that chirped occasionally. I never detected the crack until it got worse to the point where it started squeaking. Black epoxy sealed it up. That repair has held for about two years now.
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Author: earl thomas
Date: 2000-04-18 03:51
I have found that a chirp or "whistle" may be eliminated by examing the sides of the reed. Both sides should appear very similar from the heel to the tip in a uniform slanting
coutour. However, the right side of the reed might need to appear slightly thicker - only slightly. Reed adjustment is a lifelong pursuit, and I'm sure you will find your solution to great response, etc., through trial and error and by refering to the Bonade handbook on reed adjusting. Also, anytime Kalmen Opperman has an article published on reed adjustment, it should really be studied; for Kalmen is an absolute whiz when it comes to reed adjustment, among many other facets of clarinet performance. Once, Joe Allard showed me some reed adjustment technics he employed. He really relied on following a uniform "water-mark" as he pressed the last 1/4 inch or so of the reed-tip ever-so-gently against the thumbnail. He was a fabulous teacher, performer and colleague. I think he used #400 wet-o-dry MMM sandpaper and, for the back of the reed's playing surface, a nice scrapping-edge reed knife. Sometimes, you really can improve the reed's response by gently scrapping "windows" at the base of the reed's playing surface. Most oboists/bassonists could tell you so much about reed adjustment!! All the best, Earl
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