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Re: Reed help!

Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2014-09-05 17:54

Other responses have touched on the need to match a mouthpiece's resistance with the resistance (strength) of the reed played on it. One size size doesn't fit all. The strength you play most comfortably - best result (sound and response) in all registers and all dynamic levels is the best strength to use. The only way to find out if a V12 #5 is right for you and your mouthpiece is to buy several - normally a box of 10 - and try them. No amount of guessing from here will tell you whether you'll get a good result from a #5 (or any other strength) reed or not.

Your self-description as using "a MASSIVE amount of air" when you play sounds more like a misunderstanding of the function of air volume in producing and controlling the sound and response of a clarinet. I'll take your word for it that it was needed for the brass instrument you played. I don't know exactly what "strengthened" lungs are, since the lungs aren't muscles. I suppose you mean the abdominal muscles that force most of the air out of your lungs are strong. Strength in that area provides advantages in clarinet playing, but mostly in terms of the ability to control and regulate air flow, not the ability to apply brute force to the air column.

Whether very hard reeds will enhance or detract from your altissimo register is something you'll need to find by trying the reeds. Even if you can play louder and higher with a #5, you need to consider whether the resistance shortens your overall endurance. You need first of all to get through the show.

Karl

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