 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clar6580
Date: 2006-11-06 01:31
Hi, everybody,
I am having problems with the consistency of Vandoren reeds; only one reed in the box is good. What other reeds other than Vandoren will work with an M15 and an R13?
Thank you for your help,
clar6580
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Author: Merlin
Date: 2006-11-06 02:08
If you're only getting one good reed in a box - you're probably using the wrong strength.
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Author: hans
Date: 2006-11-06 02:11
........ and/or you may not be preparing your reeds properly.
Hans
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Author: pewd
Date: 2006-11-06 02:16
or a bent ligature
or a warped or chipped mouthpiece.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2006-11-06 03:40
Why don't you offer some more information?
It would be helpfull if you told everyone what number reeds you are using. If you have a reed preparing process, you could share that as well.
James Tobin
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Caco185
Date: 2006-11-06 04:24
I'm having the same problem basically. I have been using Vandoren V-12 #4's for quite some time. Recently, I have found them to be too soft. I don't know if it's time to move up to a 4 1/2 or what.. I hate doing that though..
Any thoughts?
I've just been sanding them down until the sound good..
Dale Huggard
Clarinet Performance Major, Michigan
Buffet R-13 - Silver plated
Genussa Excellente
Spriggs Floating Rail Ligature
Vandoren V12 #4
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Author: Clarinetcola
Date: 2006-11-06 11:04
maybe try what i did, change to grand concerts; they really impressed me!
Nathan
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2006-11-06 11:16
Dear Clar6580,
There are no better reeds period. For the M15, however, I would highly recommend 56 Rue Lepic since they are better suited for the longer lay mouthpieces such as the 5RV Lyre and the M15.
But I agree with Hans, make sure you break them in. If you play more than 10 minutes per reed the first three times you play it, you are over playing the reed. Also be aware of the fall in humidity in your house due to the heating system constantly running to combat the cold outside. Ideal humidity should be at or above 60%.
......Paul Aviles
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2006-11-06 12:50
I've been having good results with Zonda. They have more substrenghths, so once you get zeroed in on the strength that works for you, more per box should work for you.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2006-11-06 13:31
If you don't make your reeds and instead buy them (as so many do) you must employ some reed preparing process or you will be endlessly frustrated by what's in the box. (Along with the weather, humidity, etc...)
I personally use whatever will work...usually V12's and black masters. I am setting up a box of Gonzalez FOF's right now.
There was a thread on this recently, and there have been many before that.
Search "reed preparing" and "reed curing."
Paul's comments are good ones, and I actually play my reeds even less than Paul in the beginning. Usually less than 1 minute the first day, less than 3 the next day, then 10-15 the third day.
Along with doing some other stuff as well!
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: clar6580
Date: 2006-11-06 13:46
Hi, everybody,
Thanks for your help. I am playing on Vandoren #5's. I have tried numerous mouthpieces, but none seem right.
Thanks again,
clar6580
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2006-11-06 18:43
Just speculation, but I'd have to agree with Merlin from above.
Why are you setting the reed strength in stone? The different mouthpieces you've tried would all require different reed strengths (within reason), and I would guess that few actually wanted a 5.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: K.B.M
Date: 2006-11-08 04:36
My clarinet professor told me that different mouthpieces sound best with different reed sizes. A smaller reed size can make it harder to play on a mouthpiece that requires harder reed strengths. Also, a harder reed size can make it more difficult to play when the mouthpiece calls for smaller reed strengths. He told me that he found that the combination of a size 4 vandoren and a M13 mouthpiece (which I think may be similar to the M15) is a good combination.
-Katie
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2006-11-08 04:50
KBM,
That is absolutely correct.
Here is Vandoren's mouthpiece webpage:
http://www.vandoren.fr/en/clarinetbb.html
It appears that the M13 is rated to take strength 5 reeds. That does not mean it is in Clar6580's best interest.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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