 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: monique
Date: 2003-04-15 03:36
I have been wondering, reading all that can be done to a reed, how do you know what # you end up with after the shaving, sandpapering, cutting.... if the number reflects thickness of the cane wouldn't you end up in the low #s.
Just a question from a novice.
Monique
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Author: PJ
Date: 2003-04-15 03:58
Generally, one would think a little less than what you started with. Right?
There are many great articles, suggestions and what-not on this topic (many on this BB - search for them) and all will have tips that you agree with and some that you don't. What worked best for me was to sit down with my last professor in college and just take a few lessons for her to teach me how to adjust a reed as she was just THE pro in my book. Every reed she pulled out of the box she ended up using. How? She MADE them playable. One thing that she suggested that relates to your question was to select a reed that is just a little stronger than what you need. After breaking them in, bring them down to what you need. For me, I get 4.5's and usually end up somewhere in the neighborhood of 4.0 to 4.25. (Of course, that is for the brand I use...all brands tend to be different.)
If you've never read or seen Ben Armato's booklet on reed adjustments, I would highly suggest it. It is called "Perfect A Reed" and he shares some great tips which will help you understand how to adjust the actual strength of a reed and then how to balance it. He also covers the characteristics of Arundo Dunax, the cane used to make reeds, how it is harvested, etc., that is quite interesting and will help you understand why a reed 'does what it does'.
Well, that's my feeble attempt. Any of the "masters" want to enlighten us?
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Author: funkymunky
Date: 2003-04-15 04:27
There are at least 10 very good sites all about adjusting reeds. Just search for reed adujsting, balancing, trimming or cutting. All sites may say something slightly different so read them all to get the best idea.
I always use 120 grit wet/dry sandpaper for balancing. Then 320 or 400 grit for light balancing but mostly just for leaving a smooth finish. I only use a razor for trimming old reeds or too soft ones. After trimming a reed i take a good one and hold them back to back and use the 320 sandpaper to make the perfect tip shape over again. Using the good reed as guide, make sure not to touch the good one while sanding. I have never bought a "reed trimmer" or "rushes" they seem worthless compared to 2 sheets of 50 cent sandpaper that will probably last almost forever if used for nothing but reed sanding. .
Try pacticing on bad reeds first . I had only one moldy clarinet reed that came in the case when i first bought mine. So i just used its shape and cut a sax reed the same size. With a little sanding and razor work, it worked fine.
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Author: monique
Date: 2003-04-16 02:59
Thanks but I don't feel ready to be THAT ambitious, just curious, I'll get the booklet if I can find it and experiment just for the challenge
Monique
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Author: funkymunky
Date: 2003-04-16 04:14
[ deleted.
[funkymunkey - you must provide a valid email to post. please correct your user profile. Mark C.]
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2003-04-17 02:40
There is a body of opinion that says don't work on them in any other way than playing them.
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Author: PJ
Date: 2003-04-17 03:24
You don't have to be extremely skilled to adjust reeds. A little ambition and a desire for a better reed is all you need. Actually, adjusting reeds is not all that difficult a process once you get used to it. Like I said earlier, one of my college professors taught me how over a few lesson times. VERY good thing to learn. Like anything in life, there are always the OCD people (yes, I would classify myself as one) that take it to an extreme. Just relax, buy yourself a reed knife and Armato's book and go to town. Sure you might ruin a couple off reeds in the process, but I can promise you that it won't be the only time you botch one up. I did is just the other day...good reed too! Easy come easy go. At least there were 9 more left in my reed case, huh?
![[tongue]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie6.gif)
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