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 Breaking in reeds
Author: clarinet321 
Date:   2008-09-06 12:54

Anyone have a good way of breaking in reeds?

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 Re: Breaking in reeds
Author: Lelia Loban 2017
Date:   2008-09-06 13:00

I put the new reed in my mouth while I put the clarinet together. Then I practice. Fwiw (I'm an amateur), it seems to me the best way to break in a new reed is to use it normally, assuming there's nothing inherently the matter with it (sloppy cut, bad cane, etc.).

Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.

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 Re: Breaking in reeds
Author: pewd 
Date:   2008-09-06 14:11

this is what works for me:
5 minutes the first day, 10 the 2nd, 15 the 3rd. then put it into my normal rotation.

if you play a new reed too long the first day it tends to get water logged. look at the tip after playing a new reed for awhile - you'll see water stains. i find it works better to break them in over a few days - they ultimately last longer.

hth

- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas

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 Re: Breaking in reeds
Author: Tobin 
Date:   2008-09-06 14:58

Hello clarinet321,

I believe that most of us pros use some method of "curing" the reed. Paul's directions above are a cursory description...I'm sure that is not the only thing he does to prepare his reeds!

If you search the Bulletin Board for "reed curing" you will find a host of information that you can put to use. For example:

http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=89888&t=89734
http://www.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=68494&t=68431

James

Gnothi Seauton

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 Re: Breaking in reeds
Author: Ryder 
Date:   2008-09-06 15:14

Usually I just thrust them into a nearby wall.

Seriously though, look at this thread and read Ed Palanker's process. Sounds different, but it works great. I've stuck to that procedure ever since I read it and have gotten great results.

http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=275315&t=275281

____________________
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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 Re: Breaking in reeds
Author: William 
Date:   2008-09-06 18:01

I disagree with Tobin and use a music stand instead--quicker and seems more appropriate than just an average old wall. The results, however, are usually the same.......

Ed's method is great, except I never soak reeds in water, opting for saliva instead. After a few seconds of mouthsoak, I then rub the vamps to prevent the reed from absorbing too much more moisture during the intial play-test. Before playing, I always rub the vamps after intial mouthsoak for the same reason. They seem to last longer and never dry out.

Also, I never clip reeds that are too soft or lacking in heart, mainly because before I can, they always fail the stand test......

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 Re: Breaking in reeds
Author: Tobin 
Date:   2008-09-06 19:22

Ha! William I am happy to disagree with you whenever you like, but this time you're actually disagreeing with Ryder.

Hope everyone's having a great weekend!

James

Gnothi Seauton

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 Re: Breaking in reeds
Author: pewd 
Date:   2008-09-06 19:48

forget the wall or stand - try a magnifying glass in bright sunlight.... burn holes in those annoying things...

- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas

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 Re: Breaking in reeds
Author: claribari 
Date:   2008-09-07 23:15

I was told when I took private lessons that you should soak them in water overnight before playing on them, however I find that playing them fresh from the packaging works better for me. I usually just keep the old one around until I've had a couple days to play on my new reed. I find that on my clarinet new reeds work better than "old" reeds (the longest I keep tham before throwing them out is about 3 or 4 months at most). Also, I use Vandoren 56 Rue Lepic 3,5+'s. I don't know if strength or brand has anything to do with it, but if it does... that's what I use. Cheers.

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 Re: Breaking in reeds
Author: autumnsilence 
Date:   2008-09-07 23:22

i have tried soaking them in water but i dont really like that technique.. i ususaly just keep it in my mouth before playing but ususaly keep it in a while longer than more used reeds. Its ususally fine if you get it moist enough

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 Re: Breaking in reeds
Author: Ed Palanker 
Date:   2008-09-08 00:36

I agree with Ryder, read my link it really works. ESP
www.peabody.jhu.edu/457 Listen to a little Mozart

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