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Another beginners question about reeds

Author: Jeff Gegner
Date: 2000-12-22 15:24

As I won't be seeing my teacher for a while here is my question.
With my current mouthpiece (M14) a Vandoren V12 3.5 is easy to play and my embouchure does not tire as quickly. A V12 #4 sounds a lot better but I tire out quicker. Should I go for the shorter practice and good tone, or play longer with poorer tone. I can get in about 45 minutes to an hour on the 4, add at least 1/2 hour for the 3.5.

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RE: Another beginners question about reeds

Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2000-12-22 15:53

Jeff -

A lot of players (especially guys) have a macho thing with reeds. "I'm playing reeds harder than you can handle!" That's just dumb. As your embouchure strength increases, you naturally move to harder reeds because what you're playing feels too soft. If you are secure on the high notes and can play loud without choking off on a V12 #3-1/2, then stick with it. That's plenty hard, even for the M14 mouthpiece, which is fairly close.

If, as you say, you sound better with a V12 #4, by all means use them for some of your practice. Breaking up your practice sessions -- 30-45 minutes, twice a day -- will help with endurance.

Sound is tricky. Bone conduction through your jaw and teeth makes it impossible to know what you really sound like to others. Have someone you trust listen to you on both a #3-1/2 and a #4. Be sure to play soft and low as well as loud and high.

Try playing double lip on a #3-1/2, or even a #3, at least part of the time. Good sound involves caressing as well as blowing, and double lip plus a fairly soft reed can help with this side of playing.

Best regards.

Ken Shaw

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RE: Another beginners question about reeds

Author: Anji
Date: 2000-12-22 18:20

I'm using nearly the same rig, with the Vandy M13. I think you may be running up against the limits of reed hardness with the facing of the M14.

To achieve the same effect with a softer reed, you might try trimming the tip a little.

Check out Larry Guy's book on reeds.

The best player I have right now is a 4 1/2 that has been worked to play well on the M13, no way I could play one out of the box. It gets that nice, tight attack in the upper reg and holds up well at ff - sfz.

Lastly, what if you lightly sanded the flat part of the reed? This may take the relative strength down to where you can play longer and get "stronger".

anji

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