Author: Runhammar
Date: 2023-01-09 15:16
Hello all
A reed question: I have played the clarinet for two years. Still a beginner but enjoy it very much and I have played other instruments before so I know and read music. I play some jazz standards along with friends on bass and guitar.
Now, I am still playing with a 1 1/2 strength reed. Every time I feel it's time to upgrade and switch to a thicker one, I struggle for air and the sound gets less projected and very "leaky". As I switch back to the 1 1/2 gage reed I find it a lot easier and can project again and focus on dexterity and articulation.
Yet, sometimes when we play, especially after a couple of hours, I feel the sound is less reliable and I get more squeeks, it's as if the reed does not keep up and gets tired and chokes some notes. Still, If I were to play on a thicker reed now, my band members would think I have deteriorated.
Now, Should I...
1: Keep on playing 1 1/2 until It doesn't work anymore and I can seamlessly switch to a thicker, or...
2: Lock myself in a secluded space and brace up to the thicker reed and just play until I am comfortable with it and can project and articulate well again?
I realize there may be more elements to this, but it would be nice to hear people's thoughts and experiences. By the way; my struggle with air and "leaks" begin already at 2.0 gage.
Thankfully
Runhammar
Per Runhammar
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