 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: George L Smyth
Date: 2002-01-20 21:29
Having returned to playing after a 30 year layoff (apparently, not a unique situation), I have noticed an inconsistency within the boxes of reeds that I have been purchasing (some folks are probably saying "Duh!").
I have been using the regular Vandoreen #3 reeds (may move to 3.5 soon) and have found that while some play "bright," others are "dull" (and some are just plain hard to get a "reasonable" sound).
The music store where I buy my reeds told me that these Vandoreens are the best that they have to offer (and I have read of others using these reeds on these boards). I am assuming that there "should" be no problems with them, but then again, perhaps I should try to find somewhere that offers the V12(?).
Is this simply the way things are, or is there something that I should be doing to help with consistency?
Thanks for your input.
Cheers -
george
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Author: Emms
Date: 2002-01-20 22:45
I think you're better doing a search on reeds. This topic comes up regularly. You'll find that in a box of reeds, there will only be a few you like straight away. There isn't much consistency
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-01-20 23:08
Rule #1: Each individual reed has it's own personality. How well you get along with it is your responsibility. You can either control it, or let it control you.
Learning how to properly select, break in, stabilize, and adjust your reeds will yield a higher percentage of usuable and concert quality reeds.
There are many good printed reference sources if you need help. Also, as Emms pointed out, this is such a common topic that much has been discussed here.
If you have any clarinetist colleagues who might be willing to give you a side by side lesson on reed adjustments and techniques, it would certainly be helpful to get some hands-on working experience.
For additional information, you might also check the manufacturer's web sites...GBK
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Author: William
Date: 2002-01-21 15:29
This is a problem that is practically impossible to reconsile via cyberspace, but here is another "shot in the dark." Your description of reeds being "too bright or too dull"--but not too hard to "blow"--leads me to suspect that you are using reeds that are too soft for your mpc. Most "pros" that I know, start with VanDoren #4 and work them down to playing strength via the balancing process (the shaving of the sides of the reed to insure that the "heart" of the reed is centered) something that you really need someone to show you how to do, one on one. For now, I recommend trying a box of VanDoren V-12s, 3.5 strength. And, expect that you will only find about two or three that will play well without adjustment. Also, here are a couple of good resourses for you to read: "HANDBOOK FOR MAKING AND ADJUSTING SINGLE REEDS," by Kalmen Opperman (Chappell & Co., INC) and "PERFECT A REED,,,,,,, AND BEYOND," by Ben Armato (a Sneezy Sponser under, The Reed Wizard). Welcome back, and, Good Clarineting!!!!!!
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Author: George L Smyth
Date: 2002-01-21 22:04
Emms -
I did do a search on "reeds" and read the first 40-50 messages. I didn't see anything concerning consistency. I also did a search on "reed consistency" and found no matches. If you could point me to any specific topics, then that would be very helpful.
William -
Thank you for the help. I looked on Amazon.com for the books you mentioned without success, but was able to find the latter on this website, as you noted the author is a sponsor. I'll grab a copy, which I'm sure will help.
Cheers -
george
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Author: Emms
Date: 2002-01-21 23:15
Oh boy - I set myself up for something here. It helps, George, to look at the topic of the messages. You will find many messages belonging to the same thread, so you can scroll past many of them if they are not suitable. I had a quick look down the subjects (up to message 266!) of which there are fewer, and found these which may be of help:
'Another reed question'
'Another reed question yay'
'@£*%£$ Vandoren Reeds'
I'm sure there are more, but just look at the main topic titles.
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Author: Thomas Lankford
Date: 2002-01-21 23:55
Hey George,
I too have found that problem. I am back to playing again for the second time. I did not play after HS until I was about 37 and then decided to go back and finish my degree so I am just getting started again. I have tried several brands to no avail. I too am searching for books and articles on the web for adjusting reeds. Good Luck to you!
Thomas
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-01-22 18:58
George -
I've gotten several boxes of "Gonzalez" and "Mozart" reeds from Davie Cane recently. The Gonzalez reeds have a thick blank, like the Vandoren V-12, and the Mozart reeds have a medium blank, like the standard Vandoren. I have tried both and thought they were quite similar. Their reeds have been *very* consistent and almost all of them play well out of the box. I've ordered on line with a credit card, and they have shipped immediately.
Their web site is at http://www.daviecane.com/Pages/Clarinet.html .
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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