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 Reed Doesn't Vibrate
Author: jangjiman 
Date:   2007-04-06 16:40

I have been playing fine until just recently I have been having problems. I'm on a Charles Bay mouthpiece which is Medium Open Long and my reed keeps touching the tip of the mouthpiece and stop it from vibrating. I've never had this problem. Is it my mouthpiece, my reeds, or is it me? I'm also an all-state player and first chair region player just to give you an idea of my playing level. The reeds are vandored V12 4-4.5.

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 Re: Reed Doesn't Vibrate
Author: bufclar 
Date:   2007-04-06 18:16

Mouthpiece could be warped. I would try a softer reed and see if that does the trick. Using 4 or 4.5 reeds on that mouthpiece might not be the best setup. I would try a 3.5 and see if that makes a difference.

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 Re: Reed Doesn't Vibrate
Author: David Spiegelthal 2017
Date:   2007-04-06 19:23

SOFTER reed? I would think that would exacerbate the problem of the reed closing up, not help it! I'd bet that the mouthpiece facing curve doesn't have a sharp enough 'break' where the curved rails meet the flat table (in other words, the back part of the facing curve is too smoothly faired into the table), thus allowing the reed to lay down on the rails and close up too easily. I would try another mouthpiece rather than switch reed strength.

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 Re: Reed Doesn't Vibrate
Author: bob49t 
Date:   2007-04-06 19:42

Let's just first see if the reed(s) is/are warped. Simply slap it on a glass slab and see if it bounces, rocks, rolls. If all's well there, balance the reed(s). (search "ATG"). If still trouble, then the m/p is warped. Then to new m/p.
Take this opportunity to explore different m/p : reed combos. Let us know how you go. (remember to try to match your mouthpiece to the bore of your instrument).

RT

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 Re: Reed Doesn't Vibrate
Author: Alexis 
Date:   2007-04-07 01:13

I can't imagine playing a 4.5 on a 'medium open' mouthpiece

You'd need a popstick for a 'closed' one.


Perhaps the closing you are talking about could be from the amount of pressure required to play what seems to be a pretty hard setup. So I would try a softer reed and ease off a bit.

That could be completely off the mark, but its worth a shot.

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 Re: Reed Doesn't Vibrate
Author: Arnoldstang 
Date:   2007-04-08 17:14

I would say the problem is the reed. Test to see if you can stop the sound with your embouchure pressure. If you can then change to another reed. Your reed might be the right resistance but perhaps this piece of cane is too soft and pliable.

Freelance woodwind performer

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