The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

one incredible reed

Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-10-10 19:12

Any regular reader of this BB knows that I am the bass clarinetist – clarinetist of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. I’ve often had good luck with bass clarinet reeds; I’ve been using Rico Grand Concerts for many years now but open a box of Vandorens from the 1990s that I still have left over as well. I’ve always aged my reeds. I usually open two boxes of the Rico’s and one box of Vandorens when I’m choosing my reeds. That’s only 15 reeds total, five to a box. In an average year I do that twice a year. I often find 2-3 really good reeds from each group and a good reed will last me anywhere from one week to three months on occasion. Well this time I’ve been using the same reed going on nine months now, it’s a miracle reed. Please keep in mind that I use the same reed for every single concert and rehearsal unlike my clarinet reeds that I rotate a great many. I practice on others but use the same bass reed for everything else. I do always have at least four quality reeds ready to go just in case and practice on them now and then to keep them in good playing shape. This one reed, which I always keep on the mouthpiece after loosening the ligature first, together with my reserve reeds in a plastic bag with a Rico Vitalizer in it, always closed. Every time this reed became a little soft I would clip it once or twice, not unusual for me, but this time I clipped it at least six times, which is very unusual.
After my summer break I was sure I would have to replace it because it had a dark spot on it and it was already seven months old. But when I played it I realized it was still very good. When we recorded the Bartok Concerto for Orchestra two weeks ago I thought I would certainly have to replace it, especially after I felt it got soft again, but after another little clip it was great. This week, at a pops rehearsal, I put a chip in the tip when putting the cap on. I thought for sure that was it but I was able to finish the rehearsals with it having nothing really exposed. The next day when I tried it I could not believe how good it still sounded. It looks terrible but sounds really good.
Well, I’m off this week and when returning I have some big stuff coming up, Adams, Mahler and Gershwin and we are recording the Gershwin next month. I think I’ll have to go to my other reeds now because I think nine months playing the same reed for every single concert and rehearsal from winter to spring to summer to fall is enough. I should frame it and give it to the Smithsonian Museum but it looks terrible at this point. Oh well, I have several other very good reeds waiting anxiously to be played. I can hear them crying every time I open the bag, play me, play me, please play me!
For those that are going to write other reed stories remember, I have a very high standard when using a reed, it has to sound and feel very good all the time when I’m on the job, not simply play. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics