 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Slowoldman
Date: 2014-09-01 21:38
Perhaps this is a basic concept I missed along the line: With all the talk about "what number reed to play" I am wondering, is the strength "rating" of a reed based on flex/stiffness of just the tip, the overall stiffness of the reed, or what? How is it determined?
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2014-09-01 22:14
Good question!
From what I've read here and elsewhere, I think it depends on the manufacturer. Some of them seem to use some kind of machine that tests how far a reed will flex under a given pressure. Others seem to test the density of the cane at some point along the reed's length that, again I think, varies from maker to maker. I have a gauge made by Ulh that tests the flex at the tip and another little device from years ago called a Reed-o-matic that tests the same thing in a slightly different way.
The important thing to get from the numbers used to indicate strength by the various reed makers is the comparative difficulty of making the various strength reeds vibrate within one manufacturer's specific model. So a #2-1/2 V12 should be easier to make vibrate than a #3 or #4. It isn't necessarily true that the relationship exists across brands or even models of the same brand - it comes up all the time that a #3 Vandoren Traditional (blue box) does *not* present the same resistance as a #3 V12, nor, IMO is a #3 56 Rue le pic equivalent to either one.
However the strength of a reed is determined, it's probably the density of the cane that causes the differences. The relationship among numeric strengths exists for one model of one brand, and if understood that way, it probably doesn't matter if Vandoren tests strength by punching something into the cane to test its density and Rico flexes the tips of its reeds.
Karl
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Author: Slowoldman
Date: 2014-09-01 22:21
Maybe a better way to ask my question is: How do different manufacturers "design" a reed of a give strength? Do they all manipulate the tip the same way? Obviously, the body and spine are treated differently by different producers. How can these different properties affect one's choice of reeds? (OK, at least in theory.)
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2014-09-01 23:05
They don't design a given strength.
All the reeds of the same make and model e.g. VD V12, are cut to the same dimension. The strength difference comes entirely from the cane and the maker tests each reed and grades it 1 to 5 according to how it tests.
Obviously they design the basic dimensions to give them the spread they need, that is most reeds will test in the 2.5 to 3.5 range and fewer in the 1 and 5 strengths.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-09-02 02:38
I don't know for sure, but I would guess that today it is no longer true that a manufacturer spits out "model x" and then test them to find out the hardness. It is probably the case within about two strengths perhaps, but I think today's machining is much closer than it was back in the old days.
There are different ways to address the hardness or flexibility. The cut can be more of a V-shape or more of a U-shape. The vamp can be long or short. The reeds can be a thicker blank or thinner blank. Or some combination of all of these factors lend themselves to the different types of reed available from one manufacturer.
As for the choice, the problem cannot be addressed in any other way than trying out a certain reed on a certain mouthpiece with a certain embouchure. So, getting to a place where you are happy with a majority of reeds out of a box will take some time, money, and patience. Once you have arrived at an acceptable solution for yourself, it becomes easier to live with reeds.
.................Paul Aviles
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