 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2013-03-02 19:13
I have discovered that my Gonzalez reeds start sounding very scratchy and dull (sorry...can't think of a better way to describe the sound) after about the third time I play on them. They normally start out sounding really good right out of the case. My instructor told me to seal the pores on the top side of the reed before using it for the first time using a hard, rounded tool (normally glass) before playing it. I've done that and I've been breaking them in for about 20 minutes at each setting. Then I store them in a VanDoren humidity-controlled reed case. I'm doing everything I've been told to do, but they still start sounding awful after the 3-4 time I play them. Extremely difficult to blow and dead sounding. I bought a VanDoren reed this morning to see if the same thing happens to it. Has anybody else found this happening with Gonzalez reeds or any other brand? What am I doing wrong??? I've become extremely frustrated because I sound so bad...nothing clear and pure about my tones at all. Thanks for your help.
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Author: JHowell
Date: 2013-03-03 02:53
How long are you playing them those first 2-3 times? In my experience, it's possible to wreck a reed by playing it too much when new. The first time I play a new reed it's usually a few minutes. The next time, maybe 8 or 10 minutes. The next time, a little longer but not much. Another day or two of playing only 10-15 minutes and I'll play it longer, but try to switch before it becomes waterlogged and transparent. Playing reeds in that condition tends to result in the qualities you describe.
On the other hand, maybe 3-4 playings is all the reeds last. If I could take a new reed and play a concert on it I wouldn't worry too much about how it sounded afterward.
Post Edited (2013-03-03 04:04)
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Author: JBOverture
Date: 2013-03-03 08:22
Hi Roxann,
I've been using Gonzalez reeds for a little while now and have been very happy with how they play. I'm using the 'GD' model which I understand hasn't been around for too long.
The box is size 3.5 and when I get them out to begin my break in process they are very hard; so hard its difficult to get any type of sound out of them. I generally take them off the mp and flex them gently on a flat surface to soften them up. After playing them and repeating this process for a few days I find they are ready to go.
I say this because, in my experience, the reeds do get softer more so in the first few days than a Vandoren (which changes less out of the packet). May I then suggest trying a stronger reed and 'tenderising' it gently during your normal break in process.
After that, a small adjustment of the centre thickness of the tip and I've found the Gonzalez reeds to be long lasting and consistent in my playing.
Hope that helps,
Jarrod Butler
----
jarrodbutler.com
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2013-03-03 18:15
Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm using the FOF Gonzales. "Waterlogged" is a great way to describe them. I did break the in gradually, but perhaps not gradually enough. I tried a VanDoren and the sound is night and day better than what I was getting from a used Gonzales.
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