 The Fingering Forum
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Author: Lianglin
Date: 2000-03-18 15:47
I'm starting on a 2.5 Rico reed and I would like to know if the biggest number reed would produce the best tone. Some people tell me it's mostly personnal choice, but how much difference is there between say a 3 and 3.5? And how important is the brand?
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Author: Dee
Date: 2000-03-18 22:13
It would be better to post this question on the clarinet bulletin board at:
www.sneezy.org/clarint/BBoard/index.html
However, brand of reed *does* make a difference. While the Rico Royals (and other brands made by Rico) are qood, the plain basic Rico reeds are terrible.
Beginners should start on a reed that is not too hard. Otherwise they will have difficulty blowing the instrument and will tire very quickly. Thus they won't get in enough practice time. I personally like to recommend Mitchell Lurie 2.5 or Vandoren 2 (Vandorens run hard). Or you might try a Rico Royal 2.5
The biggest number doesn't necessarily produce the best tone. Tone is really controlled by the player. Beginners will have poor tone due to undeveloped embouchures and breath support while advanced players will have much better tone. Most players (after they have developed a bit) settle on a medium to medium stiff reed. Very soft reeds tend to encourage a person to "pinch" the high notes leading to a thin sound while very hard reeds tend to make the low notes sound airy.
As you develop, your needs will change. You will eventually (in a year or two) want to match your reed to the mouthpiece and learn some reed adjusting techniques.
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Author: Eoin
Date: 2000-03-18 22:58
I suggest you change to a Vandoren 2, as the Rico reeds are generally reckoned to be poor quality. (Rico also make a type of reed called Grand Concert Select which are good). Vandorens are about a half strength harder than normal Ricos, so a Rico 2.5 is the same as a Vandoren 2.
You will find that softer reeds produce a note easier, but wear out quickly and can't produce the high notes. A Vandoren 1.5 will not be able to reach the top of the clarino register, C. A Vandoren 2 will reach this C but will not be able to go into the altissimo register.
Hard reeds will last longer, will play louder and will allow you to play into the altissimo range, but will require much more muscular control of the face muscles.
Start with a Vandoren 2. When you are able to get a beautiful tone all the way up to C at the top of the clarino register, try a 2.5 and start practising those altissimo notes C# up to G. Above this I have not yet gone, so I can offer no advice.
Eoin
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Author: Brenda
Date: 2000-05-04 21:22
Reeds are a huge topic all by themselves. The previous comments are true, you need to experiment with brands and strengths. However, you will grow into a new strength as your embouchure develops. Some professional players still use a 2 or 2 1/2, so just buying and using a 3 or 4 won't be helpful if you don't need the strength. Personally I use a 4 in Vandoren, just because a 3 1/2 for me produces a thin sound like Dee was talking about. Still, some 4's are too weak and some are too hard even from the same box. So learning how to adjust reeds can be helpful down the road when you're into buying boxes of them. A change in brand can be refreshing, too. Recently I purchased the new Zonda, and what a delight to play with that one! It responds well, and has a clear ringing sound, not muffled at all.
So feel free to experiment, and have 3 or 4 reeds on the go at the same time. Purchase a reed guard to place them in so they don't warp on you.
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Author: Erica
Date: 2000-05-27 22:13
If you are a beginner you need to choose a reed that is comfortable for you. If you are more advanced to may want to try a different brand of reed. Vandorin is a good reed.
I would try a size 3 reed. Not to soft or hard.
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Author: HonorsBandClarinet
Date: 2000-05-30 00:32
I have nothing to say about the sound, but the brand is somewhat important, becuase a #2 Rico reed whould be a 2.5 in Vandoen..Have gone through 3 different brands, Rico, Mitchel Lurye, and Vandoen(right now). My private lesson teacher told be about how the numbering is different..and I still don't fully understand it :-)
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