 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: greenslater
Date: 2014-06-09 13:10
Sorry if this has been covered before but I'm not having much success with the archives.
If I want to cut Bb reeds so they will fit an Eb mouthpiece what file/tool should I buy? Does anyone have a procedure or method that works well?
The reeds are actually for a young student who has started on the kinder clarinet (also the first student I have started on this instrument) so she is breaking more reeds than I expected.
Thanks and best wishes to all
Brad
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Author: Hurstfarm
Date: 2014-06-09 14:37
Nothing special - a small fine-toothed saw blade will make a tidy job. People use many things with varying levels of effectiveness and threat to life and limb - scissors, kitchen knives etc. Just look for something that cuts neatly, preferably without removing too many stray fingers in the process!
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Author: BobW
Date: 2014-06-09 16:54
here is a link to a previous thread
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=391757&t=391725
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2014-06-09 17:44
Eb mouthpieces are shorter than Bb mouthpieces. They are also narrower.
Therefore, you must shorten a Bb reed *and also make it narrower*. There's nothing that kills response quicker than having the reed overlap the outside edges of the rails, particularly at the tip.
The length part is easy. A coping saw works fine. The narrowing takes some practice and skill. I use a miniature plane made by Kalmen Opperman and finish on 400 grit sandpaper. Then I have to remove the sharp corners from the tip and reshape it to fit the mouthpiece. For that I either use a nail file or jigger the reed back and forth in a reed clipper.
Or you could buy some Eb reeds. ![[grin]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie5.gif)
Ken Shaw
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Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2014-06-09 19:26
Ken Shaw wrote:
> Eb mouthpieces are shorter than Bb mouthpieces. They are also
> narrower.
>
> Therefore, you must shorten a Bb reed *and also make it
> narrower*. There's nothing that kills response quicker than
> having the reed overlap the outside edges of the rails,
> particularly at the tip.
IMHO it really depends on reed/MPC combo; have to get caliper out and measure but the diff isn't that big.
>
> Or you could buy some Eb reeds.
Agree 100%, Eb Grand Concerts are much cheaper Bb counterparts, they practically give them away.
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Author: saxlite
Date: 2014-06-09 20:29
I have found the Sears Handicut tool most useful for cutting Bb reeds to Eb length, as well as for cutting cork and felt for other servicing needs. A wonderful tool for about $20.00.
Jerry
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Author: Hurstfarm
Date: 2014-06-09 21:13
Straying somewhat from the original question, but the question of whether Bb reeds are too wide for the mouthpiece really depends on the design of the mouthpiece. For narrower models the solution will be Eb reeds, but if the width and tip curve match Bb reeds, a shortened Bb reed will work well, and arguably better than an Eb. I found by happy coincidence some time ago that my own favourite Eb mouthpiece seems to respond magnificently with newly retired Bb reeds, giving them a new lease of life, and saving money and angst.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-06-09 22:01
Ken Shaw wrote "Eb mouthpieces are shorter than Bb mouthpieces. They are also narrower.
Therefore, you must shorten a Bb reed *and also make it narrower*. There's nothing that kills response quicker than having the reed overlap the outside edges of the rails, particularly at the tip."
I've been using cut-down Bb reeds for years and have never had to make one narrower. On my mouthpieces (Selmer, Rico and Noblet) shortened Bb reeds fit perfectly and work just fine.
Tony F.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2014-06-09 23:23
Pruning shares is what I used too. Don't worry about the width, they will work just fine being a bit wider than the facing.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
Post Edited (2014-06-09 23:24)
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Author: greenslater
Date: 2014-06-10 15:21
Many thanks everyone. Appreciate your time in responding. I used the pruning shears tonight and it worked well. I still have all my fingers as well!
Best wishes
Brad
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