 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Drew
Date: 2000-01-31 20:01
Recently I started playing the Eb after many years of playing only the Bb (yes, I know, I have a screw loose). I've read that some Eb players "cut-down" Bb reeds rather than use Eb reeds. After making a trip to a couple of local music stores, the "cut-down" concept now makes sense due to the general lack of selection and stock for Eb reeds (probably not unlike looking for contra alto reeds).
Just as an experiment, I tried out a couple of Bb reeds on the eefer, and the results were suprisingly positive. Of course the Bb reed heel is much too long, but otherwise they seem to work quite well. I noted that the Bb reed is cut longer (vamp? the portion with the bark cut away), but this doesn't seem to have an adverse effect on intonation, response, etc.
I'm wondering if a member of this forum with experience in eefer lore could recommend a good method to trim off the excess heel on a Bb reed? Fine tooth saw? Score the reed and break it at the score? I've got a bunch of marginal Bb reeds to experiment with, but I just know someone out there has already figured out how to modify Bb reeds.
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Author: andrea
Date: 2000-02-01 00:49
i cut mine with a band saw. scoring and breaking doesn't really work because of the thickness. just be careful not to cut it too short. measure and make sure the reed goes all the way down to the end of the mouthpiece. a power saw is really the best way to go, but i have used scissors once or twice and that seemed to work just fine.
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Author: sylvan selig
Date: 2000-02-01 08:08
Yeah, Bb reeds work well enough. I remember (back in the dark ages) when I was in college we used them too. These days, however, (I'm 44 and not as poor!) I prefer a Vandoren 3 or 3.5 on a Vandoren B44 or B45 m/p. For a real treat you might try a Vandoren crystal A2. Robert Brobeck, Las Vegas, NV, also makes a great m/p. As for reeds, if you can't find anything locally (ask, most can order you reeds), if not, use your computer and surf. Lots of discount reed sources out there.
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Author: Lindy
Date: 2000-02-01 14:54
I always use Vandoren reeds with the Eb and have never had a problem with them.
Mail order is the solution.
Cutting and sticking with Bb reeds with never give you the perfect fit to the Eb mouthpiece and before you know it you'll be fighting with the evil squeaks!
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Author: andrea
Date: 2000-02-01 21:03
squeaks aren't from the reeds. john bruce yeh of the cso cuts b flat reeds. they work better
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Author: Drew
Date: 2000-02-02 15:09
Andrea,
Thank you for your insight regarding the method and advisability of "cutting down" Bb reeds for use on an Eb. I was quite pleased with the responsiveness and tone production of the unmodified Bb reed I used on my eefer, so it was gratifying to hear that some professionals are modifying Bb reeds also. Although I don't have easy access to a band saw, I do have a hand saw with very fine teeth, so I'll experiment with it a bit.
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Author: John Scorgie
Date: 2000-02-02 16:41
Drew --
A dovetail saw works just fine for cutting down B flat reeds. Response will often be improved if you also narrow the B flat reeds slightly. You can do this with a piece of glass and some fine grit wet or dry paper. You can also narrow the reeds with a low angle block plane (Stanley 60 1/2) IF the plane is precisely adjusted and the plane iron is razor sharp.
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Author: James
Date: 2000-02-07 01:30
Drew-
I asked Ted Oien (Principal Clarinet, Detroit Symphony) what reeds he used on the Eb Clarinet while studying with him at the Aspen School of Music. He told me he found that "played in" Bb clarinet reeds with the butts cut down worked most successfully for him. Additionally, he was very specific about the tool he used to cut the reeds down: an ANVIL-STYLE pruning shear. (The upper blade cuts, the lower blade is an 'anvil' upon which the reed rests) Ask for one at your local hardware or garden-supply store. Works like magic!
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2000-02-07 01:39
James wrote:
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I asked Ted Oien (Principal Clarinet, Detroit Symphony) what reeds he used on the Eb Clarinet while studying with him at the Aspen School of Music.
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Does Ted still use Glotin Gaia reeds? He was a few years back.
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