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Reed questions for the E-flat

Author: EBC
Date: 2012-11-30 01:23

Hello all,

I recently began experimenting with "cutting" B-flat/A clarinet reeds down for the E-flat, and have had enough success that I want to buy a box of the Vandoren White Master reeds that a lot of clarinettists I know (and on this board) seem to use. My dilemma is that I'm not sure what strength I should buy, and I don't really want to buy a 40$ box of reeds that I can't use. Any advice would be appreciated.

If this info helps: I play a Vandoren B44 and used to use 3.5 Vandoren E-flat reeds. The cut-down (extremely old) reeds I'm using are 3-3.5 mystery strength 56s! (Unfortunately, they've been sanded down previously, and I don't know the actual strength, but that's my best guess.)

Also, another question: is there any "research" (in the broadest possible sense

) on whether it's better to literally cut the larger reeds to fit the mouthpiece, or whether sanding is just as effective? I've been sanding (so the heel juts out over the barrel ring without pushing the reed into the mouthpiece) because I don't really have the equipment to clip the reeds. It seems to be working, but I'm still curious.

Thanks,

Eric

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