 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: brahma
Date: 2008-12-04 21:14
Hi I wonder if anyone can help me?
I live in Dorset, in the UK and am new to the clarinet - I have only been playing for a couple of months and I have a couple of questions about reeds.
There are several threads on this bulletin board about reeds but after reading them I'm now confused.
When I bought my clarinet I got quite a few 1.5 reeds and I have been using these (well I'm still on the first one!) I am playing, on average, about 20 minutes a day at the moment - basically I play until my lips start tingling!!
How long does a reed last?
When will I know if it should be replaced?
When will I know when to upgrade to a 2,2.5,3,3.5 etc?
What is the difference between a 1 a 2 a 3 etc?
I've heard Vandoren reeds are the best - should I buy some of these?
I am pretty confident that my embouchure is right (looked at books and websites) but I've started geting a kind of vibrating type noise (sorry dont really know how to explain it!!) when I play. Is this because my reed needs replacing?
Sorry for the long post but am eagerly hoping for some help!!
Many thanks,
Andy
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Author: cxgreen48
Date: 2008-12-04 21:32
If it sounds too vibrating, it could mean that your reed is too soft for you.
Try out a 2 if you can and see if there is less "vibrating type noise."
I started on Rico Royals (2.5 i think) and soon changed to Mitchell Luries. My favorite reeds now are Vandorens.
Hope this helps a little.
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Author: Geirskogul
Date: 2008-12-04 21:40
I started on Rico reeds, now I play on Vandoren V12s and Rico Royals. I have a stash of Rico Reserve reeds (my favorite) but I save those for special occasions, which I haven't encountered yet.
For price/performance ratio, Rico Royal reeds are the best (IMHO), but I like the V-12s the most for everyday use. You just have to remember that Rico and Vandoren are on opposite ends of the "hardness variation" spectrum, so a Rico 3 or Royal 2.5 is pretty equivalent to a Vandoren 2. I play on Royal 3s or 2.5s, and I bought a box of V-12 3.5s to "kick it up a notch" and they were/are unplayable to me - they feel like my box of Rico 4.5s.
About your questions: Most people I've seen start on a reed hardness of 2, and as their embouchure develops they usually move on to a harder reed. Don't be fooled, though; a harder reed doesn't always equal a better player. I've read stories and talked with people about some professional players that still play on 2.5s or 3s, and others who think even a V-12 5 is too soft (0.0). It's all up to your preference. Mouthpiece determines a lot, though. A closed mouthpiece with an even curve (like, say the M13 or M15) will be more "willing" to play harder reeds, whereas a mouthpiece that's more open (like the B45 or Hite Premier, etc) will "like" softer reeds. Everything gets complicated, though, when you have closed mouthpieces with a tight curve (like the Pomarico Emerald), in which case it is up to the player to decide.
I can give one piece of advice, though. Your embouchure is never good enough. Don't get comfortable with what you're currently performing at, or you will never advance.
Post Edited (2008-12-04 21:48)
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-12-04 22:54
In your current situation, have half a size softer and harder reed ready besides the ones you're usually playing - sometimes you want to try a harder one, some days you're more comfortable with a softer one.
If you have a store nearby that sells single reeds, try them. Not all at the same time, but keep trying.
I am playing on Mitchell Lurie and Selmer Primo, and occasionally the Orange Ricos. You will have to find out yourself, every snout is different, some prefer a slick, filed and shiny reed, others want something more rustic, rougher, with a bit of "grip".
This is like buying shoes, or ordering food in an exotic restaurant. There's no way past actually sampling as much as possible.
--
Ben
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Author: Sambo 933
Date: 2008-12-04 23:14
Most players progress through reed strengths as they progress in playing though there are exceptions. I started on rico 1.5, when I had been playing for about a year I started using vandoren 3's. In my fourth year I went up to vandoren 3.5's. I later tried Mitchell Lurie 4's and and now using those and my favorites are vandoren 4's. I am hoping to try some vandoren Rue Lepic 56 reeds soon, since none of the stores around here have them I'll have to order them.
Anyway i would say that for the first year you're fine. When you've been playing a bit longer and start playing notes in the upper Clarion and alltissimo(really high notes) you will need to use harder reeds(3.5 and up)
These notes will probably sound more like screeches if you're still playing on reeds softer than 3.5.
The important thing to remember is that when it comes to things like reeds mouthpieces ligatures etc. everyone is a little different. One person could use certain reeds and get great results and the next person could get the opposite result. Its one of the "fun" parts of playing clarinet.
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Author: srattle
Date: 2008-12-04 23:59
"These notes will probably sound more like screeches if you're still playing on reeds softer than 3.5"
Sorry but this is a ridiculous statement. . .
There is no right or wrong. It depends on too many factors, all of while you need to figure out yourself. Your mouthpiece, your mouth cavity, jaw structure and muscle strength, your teeth placement, your air support. All of these and more will dictate what 'strength' reed you will want to use, and even then there is a huge personal preference.
Look for something that works, and use it.
Probably the best advice I can give you is to find a teacher. A person standing in front of you can tell you things that are not possible to find from here. There are thousands of different embouchure shapes that work, so a book probably wont be too much help.
Good luck, and I hope you find some good reeds. They can last anywhere from 5 minutes up to a few months (if you're lucky and careful)
I've known people who have played on one cane reed for years.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-12-05 00:18
> Anyway i would say that for the first year you're fine. When you've been
> playing a bit longer and start playing notes in the upper Clarion and
> alltissimo(really high notes) you will need to use harder reeds(3.5 and up)
Depends on the mouthpiece and the person at the business end. I can play altissimo on a #2 if need be. I don't say this would be what I'd choose, but it certainly is doable.
The harder the reed, the bigger the temptation to bite. If you can't do it using double-lip, it's too hard IMO.
--
Ben
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Author: kdk
Date: 2008-12-05 02:25
The problem with trying to answer questions like yours in this kind of setting is that a great deal depends on what you actually sound like playing on the equipment you're using. The ideal reed strength is determined as much by the equipment as by the player (maybe more). But whether the combination of reed and mouthpiece you're using is helping you to produce the best sound you're capable of, or is introducing tension into your approach, is something that really needs to be heard - preferably by someone experienced enough to interpret and diagnose what he/she hears. Other players, even experienced ones, responding to a web posting can't possibly substitute for a competent teacher in the same room with you, listening to your playing live and up close.
When you say "I've started geting a kind of vibrating type noise (sorry dont really know how to explain it!!) when I play...," it really is hard to know what it is. Could be your lip quivering from tension caused by some problem in your approach to the reed, could be some odd harmonic effect caused by a leaky pad (leaking air, not water), could be a few other other things that can't be diagnosed without hearing it.
The bottom line is that for basic questions like this where more than just personal opinion is involved (what's the best brand of reed/mouthpiece/instrument/method book/etc.?) - the "right" answers may not be cut and dried but there are a lot of wrong ones possible that, as you read them, will just send you off on wild goose chases that may lead nowhere useful. You should arrange for at least a few lessons with a competent teacher who can give you some guidance and provide some answers to your questions that, while they may not be the only possible "right" ones, will at least work and get you moving forward.
Just my two cents, for what they're worth...
Karl
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Author: NorbertTheParrot
Date: 2008-12-05 09:39
How long does a reed last?
This is a length-of-a-piece-of-string question. But 20 hours is probably about the most you can hope for.
When will I know if it should be replaced?
You should always have several reeds on the go. Write the date on each one in pencil before you start using it, and use them in turn. Then it should be obvious when one is past its best. If a particular reed doesn't play well for you, don't persist with it, throw it away.
When will I know when to upgrade to a 2,2.5,3,3.5 etc?
You should play the hardest reed on which you can get a good clear sound in the low register. If the sound is fuzzy, the reed is too hard. If you change mouthpiece, you may well need a different strength of reed.
What is the difference between a 1 a 2 a 3 etc?
Stiffness of the cane. Within one design of reed, they are all the same thickness. Manufacturers measure the stiffness of the completed reeds in order to grade each one. Numbering is not consistent between designs; for example, a Vandoren trad #3 is stiffer than a Vandoren V12 #3.
I've heard Vandoren reeds are the best - should I buy some of these?
There is no "best", else the other makes would go out of business. Vandoren reeds are the choice of many good players, and are not the most expensive. But they are less consistent than some other reeds, and this may be a disadvantage for a beginner. You may want to try:
- Rico: the reeds branded simply "Rico" are looked down on by many players, but Rico Royal and Rico Grand Concert Select are fine
- Mitchell Lurie: which are made by Rico
- Gonzalez: probably not in your local shop, but available from http://www.dawkes.co.uk.
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Author: kdk
Date: 2008-12-05 11:40
To NorbertTheParrot:
I thought Luries were made by LaVoz, or is LaVoz now a Rico brand?
Karl
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-12-05 13:54
Rico took over both the LaVoz and Lurrie brands a while back.
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: Nessie1
Date: 2008-12-05 15:21
In terms of knowing when to "ditch" a particular reed, sound and ease of blowing (or lack of it) is one thing but perhaps one should mention that you should always throw out a reed that is grubby looking, chipped, split or broken.
Vanessa.
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Author: Tara
Date: 2008-12-06 02:16
There are obviously a large number of opinions on the subject. I would say confidently that no one can really answer without seeing/hearing you play. I recommend you find a teacher who can help you with reed selection AND embouchure.
Good luck,
Tara
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Author: brahma
Date: 2008-12-06 07:37
Hello everyone.
Thank you all very much all your comments and advice. I think I'll get myself some more reeds of differing strengths and find a teacher!
I have to say that I am really enjoying learning the Clarinet - I want to get as good as I can so will be following your advice. I try to play for about 20 minutes everyday - is that too much or should I play more? I tend to stop when my lips feel tingly - should I keep going when this happens or should I stop
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Author: cxgreen48
Date: 2008-12-06 13:01
I pretty much practiced 20 min. every day when I first started. It's a decent amount of time, I think.
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Author: kdk
Date: 2008-12-06 13:48
I wouldn't keep going past the tingly stage, because you'll end up distorting things. But there's no reason not to put in a few more minutes later if you have them to spare - the acute fatigue will clear up fairly quickly.
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