 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: thepinesofrome2416
Date: 2012-07-01 04:13
Hello all! I've recently started playing the Eb at my high school and I heard that cutting Bb reeds into Eb reeds makes the Eb sound better. i was wondering if there were any tutorials online/devices/personal experiences that any of you know of / have had.
thanks in advance!
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2012-07-01 08:55
Just chop enough from the heel of the Bb reed so that it will fit comfortably on the Eb mouthpiece and it will work fine. I use a small hacksaw with a fine-tooth metal blade and a jig I glued together from some bits of scrap wood I had on the bench. If you're in a hurry, just clip half an inch off with a large pair of pliers or pincers. It isn't as neat but it works just as well. I've always made my Eb reeds from Bb reeds.
Tony F.
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2012-07-01 12:34
Just my 2 cents....After becoming annoyed with the cutting down of the Bb reeds, I finally invested in a barrel with "clearance" (i.e., a cut-away portion) that allows for use of Bb reeds on an Eb without alteration. It's much easier and less time consuming...
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Author: Ed
Date: 2012-07-01 14:04
I have used a pair of small garden pruners. It works great. It is plenty strong to take the end off easily with one shot.
Some like to use the Vandoren White Masters, which are a little narrower and fit the mouthpiece a little better.
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Author: johng ★2017
Date: 2012-07-01 16:31
I do this all the time since I have better luck with the quality of Bb reeds vs. Eb reeds. It may depend on your Eb mouthpiece. If it is a bit narrow you might have to shave the sides of the reed with unknown consequences to the reed. I buy Eb mouthpieces are are made specifically for use of Bb reeds so that is not an issue for me. For cutting the back, I recommend the thin saw since I believe it would have less stress on the reed.
John Gibson, Founder of JB Linear Music, www.music4woodwinds.com
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Author: Bill Patry
Date: 2012-07-01 16:45
Morrie Backun makes "cut away" Eb barrels so that Bb reeds fit and work perfectly. I recommend them highly.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2012-07-01 19:11
I agree with Ed, two Eds are better than one you know. I've done it for years and a small branch - twig hand held pruner works great but get the one that cuts not "crushes". The one that works like a scissors. There are two kinds, I'm a gardner. Our Eb player has often used the White Masters. ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2012-07-01 19:30
Make that x3 for the garden pruners. Get the ANVIL STYLE garden pruners. This ensures much more flat cut and less risk of cracking the reed in half. They work great. Been doing that for a couple years now!
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Author: Grabnerwg
Date: 2012-07-01 21:01
I haven't bought an actual Eb reed in more than 20 years. I always use a cut down Vandoren V12 3 1/2 to 4 normal Bb reed. I think it gives a better tone overall and a much more stable altissimo.
I've never tried the White Master's. I'll have to do that someday.
I use tin snips to cut the bottom of the reed off. Works fine.
Lately I have been making my own Bb/A reeds again instead of using Vandoren's, so I guess it's just a matter of time until I make my own Eb reeds.
Walter Grabner
www.clarinetxpress.com
World Class Clarinet Mouthpieces
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Author: William
Date: 2012-07-02 02:12
In use shortened Forestone Bb reeds on my offer. They played better for me than Vandorans, especially in the upper register. My mpc is a vintage Selmer HS*.
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