 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Le9669
Date: 2013-06-30 04:19
I currently practice in my apartment with the AC off, although when I'm not practicing the AC is on. I wouldn't say it's too dry where I'm practicing but my reeds feel like they're getting harder as I play them. This hasn't happened until lately this week, it could be because I've been traveling with my equipment lately going in greyhounds with AC and no humidifier, then back outdoors where it is nice and humid... The response of the reeds become more labored and sluggish as I continue my practice. I have attempted to remedy that by sanding the reed down with the ATG system and even using the reed wizard, and polishing the back of the reed. Which all seems to help. However, shortly after, the reed requires me to bite in order to respond and any previous successful adjustment seems to be ineffective. I know it's not me because as this happens, I eventually switch to my legere so I can get consistency. Any advice on how I can keep my cane reeds stable? Thank you!
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2013-06-30 04:52
One thing that affects reed response is the density of the air being blown through the mouthpiece. Wet air is less dense than dry air and thus produces lower dynamic pressure for a given air speed.
Increased relative humidity and altitude both give the impression that the reed is harder.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Le9669
Date: 2013-06-30 05:56
awesome! so, what can i do to make my reeds play more consistently?
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2013-06-30 14:30
For me the fix is extending your break-in period. Once the weather settles, I can just do three days of about five minutes per reed before allowing them into rotation. But when the weather is shifting or it is particularly dry or particularly humid (and this is measured best in dew point by the way), I must continue to break in the reads four or five days or longer.
You can tell quickly something is up when you have 10 reeds ranked in order of merit and the order keeps changing !!
.................Paul Aviles
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2013-07-01 23:39
georgec: I agree. The air into our horns is at around body temperature and saturated. THAT bugs the devil out of me, as changing humidity has a great affect on my reeds/playing; and I don't understand why.
Bob Phillips
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