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Reed strength

Author: toffeeman3
Date: 2017-06-07 00:02

As a fairly new student I am wondering what is the consensus regarding reed strength.
thinking back to when I fires started about 6 months ago I was only using 1.5 reeds and was happy just to get a sound.
Then I discovered that the clarion register was so so difficult. Then I moved to a 2 strenght reed and found it easier although harder to blow the sound.
Now I use 2.5 strength which I find is about right for me now.
I just went back to a 2 strenght reed to try it and found it needed hardly any air flow from me but a little more precision needed in the very high notes.
What do you guys think about soft reeds? do they have any merit? why are they hard to play in the clarion register

Thanks
John

07469847273

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Re: Reed strength

Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2017-06-07 00:31

Hi John,

Be prepared for a variety of answers.

Note that many jazz players use very soft reeds. (...and some use very hard reeds...)

Once you have enough experience behind you, then you might want to revisit this question. Normally, as folks learn clarinet, they end up in the 3 1/2-4 reed strength range...some a little harder than that, and some a little softer...but generally in the 3 1/2-4 range.

Many times, it seems that once people find the reed strength that they're comfortable with, they stick with it until they either change mouthpieces or instruments (or both)...or have simply improved to the point where they realize that they need a slightly different reed to achieve their goals. That was the case with me. But also - with experience comes knowledge of what sound you're really wanting, and which reed/mouthpiece combination will help you achieve that sound.

So for me - there's not really a "right" or "wrong" answer pertaining to soft reeds. I used to play on a #5 when in college, but didn't get the sound I wanted. I changed mouthpieces and went back down to a 4, then a 3, and now play 2 1/2's where I live, and 3's at sea level.

Keep in mind that folks like Benny Goodman actually used "soft" reeds and sounded great - even in the altissimo. Artie Shaw preferred harder reeds...and sounded great - even in the altissimo.

If you don't get many responses to your post, you might want to try using the search tool on the forum and try searching for "reed strength" or "soft reed" etc - there have been several discussions on this topic in the last few months, and maybe you'll be able to glean some information from them if replies to this post are sparse.

Warmest Regards,
Fuzzy

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Re: Reed strength

Author: kdk
Date: 2017-06-07 02:31

One of the issues is that you can't generally talk about reed strength without including the mouthpiece in the discussion. Reeds play very differently on different mouthpieces. Facings and other parameters of the mouthpiece you're using can strongly affect what strength reed is comfortable. So the choice of reed strength really has to be personal and based on what allows you to produce the best result.

Karl

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Re: Reed strength

Author: BGBG
Date: 2017-06-07 03:48

I am no expert but I find the 3 reeds do better for me in the clarion than do the 2 or 2.5 reeds. I have some 2 reeds but mostly 2.5 and 3. Never tried others.

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Re: Reed strength

Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2017-06-07 05:32

"Be prepared for a variety of answers.."

but because, as Karl says, mouthpieces, including their rail length, thickness and curvature--which lead to their tip opening, vary.

Generally speaking, all else considered, closer tip mouthpiece involve playing harder reeds, but, like Karl said, with the mouthpiece unknown, it's like asking if we think car battery "X" is ample size for your vehicle, without you mentioning the make of the vehicle.

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Re: Reed strength

Author: toffeeman3
Date: 2017-06-07 15:47

Thanks Fuzzy and everyone else who replied.

The knowledge is building gradually bit by bit. It is interesting to hear more about the mouthpieces/reed combinations
The instrument needs quite a lot of maintainance and reed filing is another topic I am in the very early stages of.
I am sure these areas are a source of debate for all woodwind players !

Thanks
John

07469847273

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