The Clarinet BBoard

Re: Reed Selection

Author: kdk  Date:   2013-05-21 13:17 Aside from the wrinkle that you can play the one Grand Concert reed only when standing up, consistent squeaking suggests something other than a reed problem may be at work. The mouthpiece has already been suggested as a possible cause. Is it damaged in any way you can see? especially scratches in the tip rail or in any of the rails up near the tip? Are you sure your clarinet doesn't have a leaky pad or two? By the time you read this, your Tuesday morning concert will have come and gone, but the problem most likely will still be there. #3 or #3-1/2 of pretty much any of those reeds should be in the ballpark on a 5RV. All three of the reed brands you've mentioned are perfectly serviceable and should not in themselves cause these problems (though nearly everyone has a favorite among them). The ligature is as good as anything else and not likely to be causing your problem. Once the emergency is over and you've gotten through it however you have done it, take some time to (a) try a few other mouthpieces - either at a music store or borrow from a couple of friends for a few minutes - and (b) have your clarinet checked for leaks. Even a small leak high on the instrument can act as a pressure vent, much like the register key, and cause enough instability to make squeaks more likely. Just don't put off checking it all out until the day before the next concert. Karl

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