 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ksclarinetgirl
Date: 2004-02-11 07:52
Here is my question:
Once the reeds have been modified by using the ATG system is there still a big difference in brands? I'm obviously not going to go out and buy Ricos and try to perfect those, but if I can save $4 a box by sticking with V12s vs. Gonzalez FOFs, then I'm going to do it (I am a poor college student...) I ordered FOFs and am anxiously awaiting them. After I get several of those broken in, I will decide for sure on ordering the ATG system based on whether or not they need very many modifications. But another factor in my decision will be whethere or not there's a difference in reeds after using the ATG system. Any input/advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
Stephanie :o)
"Vita Brevis, Ars Longa"
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-02-11 08:48
As far as I know, FOF's are made on different cane, and better aged than it's V12 companions. Also, there is a difference in the cut of the tip (FOFs being similar to the old Morre reeds). There are also probably differences in the thickness at the tip and butt of the reed, and also how wide the tip may be.
But you're right. Once you start getting into modifying reeds with the ATG system, you can make just about anything play (I use it too and it's simple, works well, and easy enough for me to learn!). I've heard of many "strange"(?) doings once reed modification comes into play.
I myself now prefer to buy a much thicker reed than necessary (one whole strength higher) and whittle it down. For some reason, for me, this seems to work best (and it's also recommended in David Pino's book The Clarinet and Clarinet Playing)
The teacher at my college prefers to buy size 4.0, then clip the tip and then adjust them (although I'm sure he could do the same with a 4.5 or 5.0 reed). He used/uses gigliotti reeds and may be back to vandoren now - I'm not sure.
Greg Smith of the CSO (Vandoren V12 user) offers a reed profiler that is supposed to match the profile tips of the old Morre reeds (and I'm sure that anyone who buys that also knows how to adjust reeds). And then there are those of us who have a wide variety of brand reeds, but use whatever works that day (even after adjusting them all at one point or other).
GBK (FOF/Mozart reed user) adjusts them and as far as I know switches between these two reed brands depending on the mouthpiece he's using.
So if you've ordered the FOFs, go buy a two-pack of V12s from the local store (I'd suggest slightly harder than what you need because Vandorens can vary much in strength) and adjust those. It'll cost about four dollars. And if they seem the same to you after adjusting them as the FOFs, stick with whichever you like.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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