 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: suavkue
Date: 2008-09-01 21:03
I have used Gonzalez Regular Cut (2.5) reeds for about 2 weeks now, and it seems as though the response has changed since I first played them. The response is more resistant, sometimes with a few squeaks (using a Leblanc "L" ligature in all cases). The reeds can also get wavy (if I were to put a reed on a flat surface and touch one side, the reed would tilt).
I have asked my private teacher about these problems; she mentioned that in order to stop the reeds from being wavy, one should move the back of the reed around on a flat surface which only works for a short time. The reeds are stored in La Voz Reedgard cases.
Thanks to whomever can help...
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My current equipment:
Ridenour Lyrique 576BC, Rico Reserve 4, Ridenour Hand Finished Mouthpiece, Luyben Ligature
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Author: clarinettefaerie
Date: 2008-09-01 21:10
Okay, to fix this problem... (I learned this trick from my clarinet teacher)
Get about a 6 inch square piece of FLAT glass. Then, get a piece of very fine sand paper and cut it so that half of it covers the glass, and glue the sand paper on one side of the glass (The sandpaper and one half of the glass are on the same side, then). After using a reed a few times, and you find it squeaks, place it on the glass. If it is "wavy" (it tilts), rub the back side of the reed on the sand paper. I do this, and it fixes the problem pretty well. If you want to invest about $30 for a nice reed "fixer", there's a Vandoren one on WWBW.com. Hope this helps!
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Author: Ryder
Date: 2008-09-01 21:28
use a very fine bastard file (i believe that is what it's called) to even out reed warpage. you can also use extremely fine sandpaper on a flat surface.
____________________
Ryder Naymik
San Antonio, Texas
"We pracice the way we want to perform, that way when we perform it's just like we practiced"
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2008-09-01 22:18
You are much better off avoiding having the reed “warp” in the first place, which is what’s happening. Here is the paper on how to do that which I use for my studio and have published in an article several years ago in “The Clarinet”.
www.peabody.jhu.edu/457 Listen to a little Mozart
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=277283&t=277245
[ Link provided - GBK ]
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
Post Edited (2008-09-03 15:03)
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Author: jeeves
Date: 2008-09-01 23:09
First, make sure you're drying off the reed sufficiently. I'm pretty sure keeping a soaking wet reed in a case promotes warpage.
Second, make sure you break in the reed correctly to maximize reed life and prevent warpage on the bottom (I'm kind of n00b, so it would be good if some pro clarinetist here could post a good way to break in reeds).
Jeeves
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-09-02 00:41
Jeeves, if you look at the post immediately above yours, there is a link on how to deal with reeds to keep them from warping, and how to store them properly.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: clarinettefaerie
Date: 2008-09-02 00:42
Jeeves, I've got a paper from Keith Zimmerman (Pro Sax player, but still reed player, nonetheless). I'll find it and post it for you.
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Author: suavkue
Date: 2008-09-02 23:58
Thanks everyone! Just a few more questions:
When I use the 5RV Lyre on every reed the intonation is flat (around 15 cents) and when I use the M13, the intonation ranges from 10 cents flat to 15 cents sharp. Could the wavy reeds be a factor?
... and I tried using the DampIt on a few reeds; it does improve response. What role does humidity play into reeds being wavy or not and what in humidity and temperature should I store reeds? (I used to store my reeds in my room in the basement: averaging 45-59°F and really low humidity.)
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My current equipment:
Ridenour Lyrique 576BC, Rico Reserve 4, Ridenour Hand Finished Mouthpiece, Luyben Ligature
Post Edited (2008-09-02 23:58)
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-09-03 00:36
I would suggest you get the Rico reed vitalizer or similar product maybe some Desiccant canisters from www.doctorsprod.com. Rotaite your reeds,clean them under runing water after use and only wet the wamp not the back of the bark and you will have minimum problems.
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Author: autumnsilence
Date: 2008-09-03 01:11
I know you said you have used them for 2 weeks but how often do you play? Do you literally practice hours upon hours a day? or is it a moderate amount? because my reeds get like that also and its ususaly a sign to me that i need a new one.. one playing about 2 hours a day (on school days) it takes at least a month or so for them to start to warp and start to sound different.
Im not a pro at reeds or anything but it might help..
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2008-09-03 01:58
Reeds get wavy....less response.....this is all pretty normal stuff. Try soaking the reeds longer. Long enough so the wave is gone. When the reed is flat then play it. It may take 5 minutes or more.
Freelance woodwind performer
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Author: suavkue
Date: 2008-09-03 03:04
I have played on each reed for 5 minutes a day, increasing to about 15 minutes for now after two weeks. I think it may be that I always kept my reeds wet every time I put them in the reed holders without letting them dry first.
I tried the suggestion on using glass; it works (except for about 4 of the 20 Gonzalez reeds I have)... so I'm fine for now.
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My current equipment:
Ridenour Lyrique 576BC, Rico Reserve 4, Ridenour Hand Finished Mouthpiece, Luyben Ligature
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