 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: RogerD
Date: 2003-02-17 13:53
I have read (reedguard literature) that one is supposed to soak a reed, run thumb on the reed, etc. in order to properly prepare a reed
Many times, I just take a reed out of a box and play it.
What does everyone else do?
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Author: Hank
Date: 2003-02-17 14:11
Hi,
I soak them for a few minutes and then play for about a minute or two. I am looking for those that have promise or ones that go into my "Much Later" boxes. The first group are then placed in reed holders and worked with over the coming weeks.
I just wet, reuse, and continue to try them. I have not made many if any at all scrapes on the reed except to get rid of any intial chirping or squeeks.
Much later, I begin to work with the tip and sand or Dutch Rush a tiny bit to further adjust. Few of my reeds are too soft but for the occasional one that gets this far, a "hair's breadth" like Bonade said with a clipper is appropriate.
I work to close the pores of the reeds that have gotten this far.
HRL
Ps I use LaVoz MH reeds like probably no one else on this BB. I get the big tone I want and the responsiveness.
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Author: William
Date: 2003-02-17 15:36
I use on saliva to moisten my reeds, even straight out of the box.
Before playing, I rub the vamp to seal the open pores. This prevents over-absorbtion of saliva during playing. I also rub them down after playing to squeeze the excess saliva out and re0seal them for proper drying. Store on a flat surface--I use Harrison reed cases.
Play a new out-of-the-box reed for only a couple of minutes. Overplaying a new reed will kill its heart before the xylum have a chance to condition their resilency for a longer life. Also, do not attempt to make adjustments on first playing. Let the reed "cure" a couple of days before re-testing. Then, get out your knife and do your carpentry work. Do a little every time you test--do not attempt to make a perfect reed in one session of balancing, sanding or clipping. Slow careful work is best over a period of many play tests and use.
But remember, NEVER use water to soak your reed. Saliva works best and seems to allow the reed to play longer, with more consistancy. At least, as a former water reed soaker, this has been my experiance. And, it can actually be fun--a sort of badge of courage--to walk around before any gig with a mouthfull of reeds. On many gigs, I play clarinet, alto, soprano and tenor sax, so you can imagine the attention I attract. It is also a good excuse for not responding to the person requesting we play "Proud Mary". (there he goes, off the subject Again!!)
Bottom line: saliva only soak, rub the vamp before and after, dry flat and let us all know when you discover that "Holy Grail" perfect reed.
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2003-02-17 20:48
I am of the straight out of the box school. Just stick it in your mouth for a minute or so and then warm up. Players that use this method often get 10/10 reeds that work. Players that soak and scrape and carry on seem to only get a few out of a box that work.
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