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Re: Reed strength for beginners

Author: Chris P
Date: 2013-02-05 13:28

To me, the idea of starting beginners of any age on Vandoren 3s is like doing weight training starting with 50Kg weights or learning to drive and pulling away in 3rd gear or cycling/driving uphill in a high gear. While they may be possible, they are all hard work.

The reason why most beginners in the UK start with soft reeds is to build up the various muscles involved with the embouchure slowly instead of tiring them out too quickly, which is th logical thing to do. If a 1.5 is too soft, then start them on a 2, but no stronger than that.

I've been playing since 1986 and currently play on Vandoren 3s as they're the right strength for me and the mouthpiece facing I use (Vandoren A1). My teacher back in college played on Vandoren 3s as well, and he's perhaps one of the best clarinettists I can think of (even though he's a Buffet player!).

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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Reed strength for beginners

bmcgar

2013-02-03 18:59