 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: spacecadet
Date: 2013-02-19 04:18
I have been playing the clarient for 2 yrs and have been using rico #2 reeds. I just changed to rico reserve #2 since I have heard that the sound is much richer. I am having one heck of a time articulating. Do these reeds require a break to period or do the reserve #2 play more like 1/2 step up. Thanks much
Jan
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Author: spacecadet
Date: 2013-02-19 12:03
would you recommend lowering them a bit on the mouthpiece? I would hate to go backwards, or are their other reeds that are superior but would give me less difficultly articulating than the reserves but would give me a better tone. Or.... should I stick with them and perhaps gain the strength I need to develop a better tone?
Jan
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2013-02-19 12:22
Tom Ridenour has a reed fixing system called the "ATG" which most mail order suppliers carry. It comes with a DVD on how to use it.
Very simple and effective. That will make your reed be more responsive to you.
Also building embouchure strength will help.
Reed placement slightly below the tip of your Mouthpiece can help a little, but the ATG helps a lot more.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: kdk
Date: 2013-02-19 13:30
spacecadet wrote:
> would you recommend lowering them a bit on the mouthpiece? I
> would hate to go backwards,
I'm not sure what you mean by going "backwards," but if you mean from a #2-1/2 of one reed to a #2 of another, you have a common misunderstanding that reed strength = skill level. All you'd be doing is changing from your favored strength of one reed to the equivalent strength of the other - not going down in actual resistance. It's only a number, one which doesn't directly quantify anything.
In any case, if changing from regular Rico to Reserves doesn't turn out to work better for you, then go back to the regular Ricos. They're less expensive and for you they're a known quantity. Try some #2 Reserves, Reserve Classics or even V12s or 56 Rue lepics. Never mind what major players say about the reeds they recommend. If they don't make *your* tone "richer," maybe there's no reason to leave regular Ricos.
Your tone will become more mature and "richer" with experience and the improved technique that continued practice will develop. The sound that comes out is the sound you make, and the reed and other parts of the equipment are simply tools. Sometimes a better tool is a help, but skill is needed to produce decent results regardless of the tool used.
Karl
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2013-02-19 18:38
Good points have been made above. Do keep in mind that some of the great masters of the clarinet used #1 and #1.5 reeds.
If #2 Rico Royals are working for you in every way but timbre, you might also want to investigate Rico's Mitchell Lurie and La Voz reeds in equivalent strengths. In my experience, the resistance and articulation tendencies will be similar to a Rico Royal, but each offers a different tonal balance versus other Rico products--the Luries being a bit more nasal and focused than Rico Royals, while the La Voz favors the lower overtones of the instrument and also adds a touch of reediness to the tone. I have also found that both models last longer than Rico Royals.
Post Edited (2013-02-19 18:40)
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2013-02-19 18:45
As mentioned above, do not make the common mistake of believing that harder reeds (or higher strength numbers) denote greater skill as a clarinetist. Reed strength wil vary from brand to brand, as well as from line to line within a brand such as Rico. Look for the model and strength of reed that play best for you. Ignore what the "numbers" say, as they are rather arbitrary and will vary.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: spacecadet
Date: 2013-02-19 20:42
you were absolutely right. I believed that harder reeds denoted greater skill. Perhaps I will experiment. What do you think of the mitchell Laurie reeds?
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Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2013-02-19 21:45
One comment about LaVoz . . . a Rico insider told me that LaVoz reeds are really the same as Rico Royals. The only difference is that Rico Royals are French cut and LaVoz reeds are regular cut. The Rico web site has a good reed strength comparison chart. Since LaVoz reeds are graded medium soft, medium, etc., these designations do not necessarily correspond to the more familiar numbers. I don't have the chart open in front of me, but I know that a medium is equivalent to a Rico Royal 2 3/4.
What kind of mouthpiece are you using? One thing to remember is that some reeds (and reed strengths) work very well with some mouthpieces, but not with others. Yes, it probably is a good idea to experiment.
You asked about Mitchell Luries. They were very popular at one time with professionals, but not anymore. They're decent reeds, although I think there are reeds that are better. Still, if they work for you, don't hesitate to use them. I haven't priced Luries lately, but I think the Premiums are more expensive than the regular ones. I haven't noticed much difference between the two (except for the fact that Premiums are French cut), and I'd suggest saving your money and
buying the regular Luries.
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Author: spacecadet
Date: 2013-02-20 03:39
Thanks for the info. I tried to read the chart but it was difficult for me to comprehend. I am using a Yamaha BEC mouthpiece which is so much better than the original mouthpiece that came with my Arezzo Cannonball (Zeloso) I received some suggestions regarding obtaining the ATG reed fixing system which might help me salvage the Rico classic reserve reeds #2 which are presenting me with difficulty. I also contacted Rico whose offices are about 10 minutes from my house. They are sending me samples of some reeds which might be more suitable for me.
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Author: spacecadet
Date: 2013-02-20 18:49
I have heard that tom Rinedour also makes clarinets. Do you know the quality of his instruments?
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Author: CarlT
Date: 2013-02-20 22:09
Use the search feature, and you'll find a ton of stuff on Tom's instruments.
CarlT
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Author: spacecadet
Date: 2013-02-21 19:38
Thank you much. I just ordered his reed finishing system. Thank you for the correct spelling. I will be looking for a new horn in the summer
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