 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-07-28 16:37
As a spinoff of the traditional vs V12 post, I have always wondered what REALLY is the difference between thin and thick blanks. I have always played on reeds from a thick blank (first V12, then Gigliotti Plus, and now Gonzalez FOF). I only remember using the thick blank reeds to begin with (I think I used Ricos).
What would be the difference between them? I know that there are very good reeds out there in both thicknesses, but why does almost everyone I hear of play on thick blanks?
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2003-07-28 16:43
You have to consider the density of the cane as well as the thickness of the cut --- they are complementary characteristics. For example, the cheap student Ricos are often cut "thick" but are made of such soft, porous cane (like styrofoam!) that they play 'soft'. On the other hand, I've seen many a Vandoren reed that was cut quite thin at the shoulder and heel but was of such dense cane that the end product played quite "hard". Right now the "thick blank" reeds are the rage (fad?), but the bottom line is, they are not necessarily the best thing for your embouchure, your mouthpiece, and your tonal concept. As has been said over and over, you simply have to try lots of combinations of reeds, mouthpieces, ligatures and even clarinets to find the best setup for yourself.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-07-28 20:22
I see. So it's not so much the thickness, but the density. I think next order of reeds I get I'll try to convince the supplier to send me half of thick blanks and half of thin blanks (Gonzalez FOF and Zonda since they both get great reviews, are fairly comparable in strengths, and are made from the same cane).
Thanks DS. And thanks again for your help a while back with my MP. It's still going strong and I'm still loving it!
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2003-07-28 22:59
The annoying Vandoren advertising material that we all toss away has the answer. The V12 reeds are cut from a blank the same thickness as an alto sax reed, the V16 alto from a tenor blank, the V16 tenor from a baritone blank. The white masters are also thick but unfiled. The effect is to increase the area of the reed vamp and exposes more cut fibres. It makes the reeds play under strength compared to thin reeds made of the same cane. There is probably an increase in flexibility and they tend to be a bit brighter. They are not everybodies cup of tea I personally prefer thin blanks as do many others.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2003-07-29 03:48
My understanding has always been that the portion of the cane that is closer to the bark is harder, which also contributes to the different (softer?) feel of the thick blanks.
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Author: fmadison
Date: 2003-07-29 05:04
Hi,
I switched over from V12 Vandoren to folder's crystals ( Gonzales) reeds.
Anyway thin reeds and thick reed offer different sound and abilities to your playing.
Narrow profile reeds like 13mm at the tip or 12.5mm vibrate more than the 13.2 reeds from V12. Also you have the benefit of cleaner articulation and faster response from 13 or 12.5mm reeds.
The thickness generally helps in producing less brighness in your sound. Also the extra thick reeds tend to last longer than thin reeds.
I always believe that each mouthpiece requires a specific brand and strenght of reed to get the best response and sound. This varies even in mass produced mouthpieces that are identical there are always some slight differences in behaviour.
So always fit a reed to your unique mouthpiece. Some mouthpieces work great with thicker reeds some don't.
But avoid the trap of using the same reed to test different mouthpieces always try to find a reed to fit the mouthpiece.
The same can be said about ligatures as well.
Have fun!
-Frank
It's the wood that makes it good!
Post Edited (2003-07-29 05:24)
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Author: clarinetwife
Date: 2003-07-29 14:09
Yes, you have to consider the mouthpiece, reed, and embouchure as pieces of one's overall setup. I have found that thick blank reeds help give me more stability in the upper clarion and lower altissimo, and perhaps a bit more darkness down low.
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