 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Dan
Date: 2008-05-22 03:02
I foolishly purchased #3.5 reeds (thought I was progressing) only to discover that it is not fun to play with a reed too strong for me. So, I am going to sand down the reed to reduce the strength, but before I make a second mistake by sanding down the wrong side, I thought I ask.
Which side does one sand down on a reed to reduce its strength?
Thanks. Dan
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Author: Jameslyons
Date: 2008-05-22 04:23
I'm not sure about a whole size reduction, but my clarinet teacher taught me to sand down the flat side of the cane- the side touching the mouthpiece.
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Author: Koo Young Chung
Date: 2008-05-22 12:54
What brand are these?
If they are Vandoren 12,I'm willing to swap with my #3 Vandoren reeds.
Please contacy me off line.
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Author: claritoot26
Date: 2008-05-23 13:23
Lay the reed on a flat piece of glass and lightly sand the tip with very fine sandpaper (400 or 600 grade) or a piece of wet reed rush. Most of the vibration occurs in the tip, so if it feels resistant, that is the place to start. Also, if one side feels less flexible than the other (you can tell by gently flexing it on each side with a forefinger), then that side should be sanded a little bit more than the other. Remember, easy does it...you can't put it back on once you take it off.
Lori
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-05-23 13:48
For a wholesale reduction of reed strength (as opposed to fine tuning) I would start with the flat part of the reed.
Dan, if you haven't investigate Ridenour's ATG reed finishing system, I highly recommend it.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2008-05-23 22:13
If you think you might have a need for "heavier" reeds some time in the future, just put the 3.5s aside and let them age for a year or two and buy a new box of #3s. The 3.5s will probably be better for the aging.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2008-05-24 04:09
There are many ways to make a reed softer. Of course sanding down the bottom is one way but be careful not to take too much off the tip. As you sand the tip will become disproportionately thinner than the back. You can also sand the entire vamp or take off near the tip on the sides going back about a quarter of an inch or so. This takes some practice. It’s pretty easy to ruin a reed by unbalancing it too much so be careful.
Good luck, ESP www.peabody.jhu.edu/457
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Author: beejay
Date: 2008-05-24 22:18
If you score very lightly across the reed about one third of the way back from the tip, you may find it plays well without any need for sanding.
If I have a reed that is too hard, I use a disposable surgical scalpel or the Vandoren reed finishing stick to take some of the material off about one centimeter back from the tip, on the top of course. I take a few grains off at a time until the reed plays to my satisfaction. This method was taught to me by my former teacher André Patrick, who warned against sanding the bottom of the reed. He said it made the reed sound too bright, and I think he is right. Don't take off too much, because trimming a reed that blows too easily to restore its strength is not usually very successful. A reed that is slightly too hard will usually get easier with blowing.
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Author: Old Geezer
Date: 2008-05-25 02:49
I wonder...what actually determines the strength of a reed; the mechanical shaping, or the flexibility of the cane itself?
Are all reeds cut and shaped to the same dimensions? The specified strength 3, 3.5 etc. being based on the predetermined strength of the cane used?
Clarinet Redux
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Author: S. Friedland
Date: 2008-05-25 15:52
The suggestion or implication that as one progresses, one uses a stronger reed is incorrect and somehow is ingrained in many . Both technic, which is not about speed, and reeds which is not about stronger,and their understanding needs to be corrected. The answer is simply control for each.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2008-05-27 01:53
Don't mess with the 3.5s. As others commented either trade them or set them aside and get softer ones. And then get Ridenour's ATG equipment.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Dan
Date: 2008-05-27 17:01
Thanks for the suggestions.
I've picked up some softer reeds and have been playing with them for a couple of months.
What's the purpose, or function, of the stronger reed?
Dan
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Author: claritoot26
Date: 2008-05-27 20:19
Old Geezer: Every reed of the same brand and model is cut to the same dimensions. It is the density of the cane that determines the strength.
Dan: What's the purpose or function of the stronger reed? Well, there really isn't a purpose, unless it makes you sound better on your equipment and you can get used to the feel of playing on it easily enough. Otherwise, stay with what you've got. As long as you can use good breath support and get the sound you want, no reason to change.
Trading strengths with someone else is also a good suggestion. I am doing that tomorrow with a friend who uses 1/2 strength different from me.
Lori
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