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 Reeds!
Author: Daggett 
Date:   2004-11-21 17:22

Hi everyone! I've been playing awhile now, and never really done anything with my reeds. I would always use every single reed in the box, I always soaked them in my mouth, and never worked on them or anything. Needless to say, my playing suffered from this. However, I never really realized this was bad until I came to this board.

Basically, I want to learn all about reed selection, adjustment, care, etc. I've picked up all kinds of things from searches on this board, but everyone seems to have their own techniques and 'home formulas', and no one ever really starts from the "beginning" when they're chatting about what to do- most of them time I have no idea what they're saying.

Anyways, I was thinking about getting a book. I'm already working with Larry Guy's embochure building book, and I saw he also has a reed book. I remember someone also recommended Ben Armato's Perfectareed book. What book do you guys think I should go for? Or are there any articles/pages online that will do the same job? I've tried looking through the woodwind.org archives and other pages, but got discouraged after half an hour or so.

Last question- right now I'm using one of the cheap la voz plastic reed guards. It's supposed to prevent warping, but I read that it also damages the heart of the reed. Is it at least an improvement over the cases the reeds originally come in (vandoren or mitchell lurie?).

Thanks guys :)

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 Re: Reeds!
Author: pewd 
Date:   2004-11-21 17:35

all my students who use the vandoren cases (blue ones with the dessicant) end up with mold.

i get good results with the cheap vito and la voz reedguards.
the selmer cases are also good.

-paul

- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas

Post Edited (2004-11-21 18:52)

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 Re: Reeds!
Author: EEBaum 
Date:   2004-11-21 17:58

I've had great results with the Larry Guy book.

I don't have problems with mold, but I live in a pretty dry area and I wipe off and rub down my reeds after I use them, minimizing moisture.

-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com

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 Re: Reeds!
Author: hans 
Date:   2004-11-21 18:00

Jimmy,

Alternatively, you could buy a plastic reed and avoid all the reed ritual and superstition. You just put it on the mouthpiece and play. It doesn't dry out when you take a break, and every reed in the box is playable. It was good enough for Artie...

Regards,
Hans

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 Re: Reeds!
Author: sfalexi 
Date:   2004-11-21 18:00

Yes the La Voz cases aren't the "ideal" way to store your reed, but as long as you don't jam them in there and/or use the same reed for months at a time I don't think they'll damage your reed enough to really affect its playability. If you want some really great ways to store your reeds take a look at Doc's Products (sponsor of this site). He has something called a Thirsty Reed Pad which works well.

Now I use a combination of Roger Garrett's Reed case (similar style to the Selmer case mentioned above, however it's handmade with a special wood and uses plexiglass instead of real glass) and the Docs Ultra Lite thirsty reed pad. The reed pad keeps it from warping as it dries and the reed case helps me store and organize the reeds.

If you're looking for a way to adjust the reeds, I am a supporter of Tom Ridenour's ATG System (click here for lots of info on it) as are many on the board. You might want to look at that.

Alexi

US Army Japan Band

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 Re: Reeds!
Author: sfalexi 
Date:   2004-11-21 18:02

And for articles on clarinet reeds (online for ya) . . .

http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/articles/adjusting.htm

And of course . . . http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/Equipment/Reeds/index.html

Alexi

US Army Japan Band

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 Re: Reeds!
Author: growlingbunny910 
Date:   2004-11-23 02:35

real reeds ---- mitchell lurie fine french filed ---- enough said
fake reeds---- fibercell..........enough said

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