 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2014-05-10 00:27
For those of you who play both Eb and Bb clarinets, assuming you are using very similar mouthpieces on each of them, do you use the same strength reed on both? I thought I'd read somewhere that, the bigger the clarinet, the softer the reed you should use. So, am I correct to assume that the shorter the clarinet, the stiffer the reed you should use?
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Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2014-05-10 00:43
Roxann wrote:
> For those of you who play both Eb and Bb clarinets, assuming
> you are using very similar mouthpieces on each of them, do you
> use the same strength reed on both?
it is generous assumption, as we have very different MPCs on both: C85 105 on effer and 115+ on Bb B45/G8/N4/etc more open with longer lay. Hence stiffer reed 3.75 vs 3.
Wouldn't be surprised to find out it's typical as it helps with highs.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2014-05-10 01:16
I think that just as you find the reed strength that is optimum on your Bb so you do the same for the Eb.
It's quite likely that the comfortable strength on Eb may feel just a little harder (say 1/4 to 1/2 more) than for Bb if nothing else then to help get the altissimo register up to pitch.
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Author: bradfordlloyd
Date: 2014-05-10 06:12
I like Vandoren V-12 3.5+ on Bb, and Vandoren V-12 4s on Eb.
If I use a softer reed on Eb, I find that my pitch is a bit low and I end up biting significantly to try to bring it up.
As for mouthpieces, while I tried to use similar models/facings, I found that I really needed to choose the right mouthpiece for me and for the instrument. There are some vague similarities in terms of facing, lay, and relative tip opening but they are not the same brand nor the same style.
Good luck! Eefer really is a totally different instrument.
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Author: Wes
Date: 2014-05-10 10:29
For the Bb and Eb I use v12s #3 on both. I like the Bb to play up to pitch to double high C and the Eb to play to a high A. Smaller number reeds may play ok but might not reach the very high notes. If the reeds play flat, it is because they are too old and worn out. The higher number reeds work on my mouthpieces but don't sound as good for me.
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Author: shadow1
Date: 2014-05-10 10:56
I use Gonzalez 4s for Bb and V12 4.5 for eefer. M13 Lyre for Bb, 4RV eefer
Post Edited (2014-05-10 10:57)
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2014-05-10 22:54
Thanks everybody. As always, I'm grateful for your help.
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Author: Bill Patry
Date: 2014-05-12 22:07
If you play on one of Morrie Backun's Eb barrels, due to the cutout in the back, you can play a Bb reed.
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Author: BartHx
Date: 2014-05-13 00:53
It has been a long time, but I played both Eb and Bb in college (late 1960s). As mentioned above, your reed strength greatly depends on your mouthpiece. With the mouthpieces I was using, I found that the same strength reed worked fine for me on both instruments. Your best bet is to try a variety of strengths and see what works best for you.
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Author: OpusII
Date: 2014-05-14 18:17
I really like to play softer reeds on the Eb clarinet, I found the sound more "brilliant" and flexible to use. The high notes are no problem on my setup. I don't believe in using Bb clarinet reeds on an eefer. I can imagine that it would alter the sound like I've noticed with V12 reeds (something I didn't like), but I never did try Bb reeds.... It's possible to play an Eb clarinet perfectly fine with Eb reeds...
Viotto RH Eb - Vandoren Traditional 2,5
Vandoren 5RV Lyre BB - Rico Reserve Classic 3,5
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