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RE: When is a mouthpiece finished?

Author: Anji
Date: 2000-12-27 12:52

Robin,

First, let me recommend Larry Guy's book on the care and feeding of clarinet reeds. It's a very good resource and has advice that matches the results I found through trial and error.

For the harder reeds, try this;

Get a nice flat piece of plate glass (you could conceivably do this against a window) and tape a 6 inch square sheet of very fine (320-600 grit) sandpaper to the surface.

The glass gives you a nice flat basis to work from.

You will sand the flat side of the reed in this operation, only. Spread your fingers over the top surface of the reed, sort of the way you type on a keyboard.

LIGHTLY press the reed onto the glass and slide it left to right over the sandpaper.

I would make only ten strokes, soak the reed and test play.

This is an elementary method, Larry's book has much more detail and is worth the money.

****

As to the mouthpiece, it may be the OUTside that is your problem. Have a look at the side rails, tip and table. If these appear obviously scratched or dented they may be the source of dullness.

Reeds apparently hammer away at these surfaces and can damage them over time.

I dunno about when to pitch a mouthpiece, I've never owned one that long.

Try Chris Hill on Sneezy, he and Dave Spiegelthal are qualified mpc gize.

Good luck!

anji

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