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Re: "learning" to play a softer reed?

Author: ClarinetRobt
Date: 2017-04-28 19:17

Musikat:
Several years ago, I've had a couple of bouts of Bell's Palsy. With my severely weaken embouchure, I contacted Brad Behn and told him of my situation. I was old school...close mouthpiece with a harder reed. Brad switched me to a more open mouthpiece for a lighter reed. It changed my entire concept of sound...for the better.
Now fast forward to the present day. I've noticed as my embouchure has strengthen, I'm starting to need a harder reed. For example, when I use a Legere Signature Euro, I've gone from a 3.5 to a 3.75. I've noticed the same trend with Brad's new Aria reeds. 3.5s are a tad soft, 4 seem about right. (Brad confessed to me his first run of Arias -the ones I have right now- are a touch softer than his second run.)
I agree with my colleagues. You're a unique individual and if Smith recommends a 3.5, great. But maybe a slightly harder reed is needed for you without working so hard...like your previous setup. This is what I experienced with my Behn mouthpiece.

For what it's worth (I believe there's a thread on here) the Aria reeds are really consistent. I haven't even touched one with my ATG system to balance.

~Robt L Schwebel
Mthpc: Behn Vintage
Lig: Ishimori, Behn Delrin
Reed: Legere French Cut 3.75/4, Behn Brio 4
Horns: Uebel Superior (Bb,A), Ridenour Lyrique, Buffet R13 (Eb)

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