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Re: Mouthpiece/Reed Experiment

Author: William
Date: 2005-06-09 14:21

Also, William Stubbins--legendary U. of Michigan Preofessor of Clarinet--often said (screamed at his students, actually), "PLAY THE REED, don't let the reed play you".

Of course, we all know that for optimum performance (like when recording the defining CD of your life), it is good to have the most responsive and resonant reed that works best for your mouthpiece. But there are times when "that" reed is not available and you just have to "make do" with the one that is. So, learn to deal with those small imperections of reed performance and avoid the necessity always having to have a top drawer reed in order to sound good. I do know that when my embouchure is in top condition and I can play for hours without tiring, I can change reeds that have a variety of hardnesses and response, and maintain the same sound by varying certain physical performance techniques. The fact that V12s are inconsistant is really, no big deal.

BTW, my main mouthpiece is an old Chicago Kaspar #14. Can't comment on any Ciceros as I only have a Greg Smith copy--on a Zinner blank--for comparison.

(Greg Smiths mouthpieces are excellant--I own Cicero and Chedeville models. I just prefer my old "Windy")

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