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 Mouthpiece-Reed Optimization Chart
Author: concertmaster3 
Date:   2023-10-31 21:53

Hello All,

Is there a mouthpiece to reed suggestion chart, similar to the one that Vandoren makes that includes other makers also? https://vandoren.fr/en/clarinet-mouthpieces-comparison/

Thanks!

Ron Ford
Woodwind Specialist
Performer/Teacher/Arranger
http://www.RonFordMusic.com

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 Re: Mouthpiece-Reed Optimization Chart
Author: Ed 
Date:   2023-10-31 22:16

I am not aware of any. It can also vary quite bit. The same facing can feel very different or with a different resistance because of the internal dimensions of a mouthpiece. Depending on the player's taste, their playing style and type of music sometimes the choice of reeds on a given mouthpiece may be quite different.

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 Re: Mouthpiece-Reed Optimization Chart
Author: concertmaster3 
Date:   2023-10-31 23:28

I'm very aware of that factor, but it's a great place to start from, and do some experimenting from that area. My student that I'm trying to find the information for typically sits in the center of the suggested range of mouthpieces.

Ron Ford
Woodwind Specialist
Performer/Teacher/Arranger
http://www.RonFordMusic.com

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 Re: Mouthpiece-Reed Optimization Chart
Author: kdk 
Date:   2023-11-01 01:58

There's a fairly inclusive chart at http://reedstore.com/reed-strength-chart.

I found it by doing a Google search for "clarinet reed strength comparison chart." There were a bunch of results. Their usefulness depends on which brands you're interested in.

Karl

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 Re: Mouthpiece-Reed Optimization Chart
Author: Ed 
Date:   2023-11-01 02:48

I guess short of having something from various makers, about the only option might be to ask people who have the same model or compare the facing to others that you are familiar with.

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 Re: Mouthpiece-Reed Optimization Chart
Author: concertmaster3 
Date:   2023-11-01 07:18

Ed:
That's essentially what I've done previously. Or I try the mouthpiece myself and figure out what works well (at least for me).

kdk:
Thanks, but I'm looking more for something that says "with this mouthpiece, this range of reed strengths are optimal."

-----

I've also use Vandoren's chart as a guide for the tip opening, and then work from there to see what the mouthpiece's tip opening is and find something comparable. It's not perfect, but gives us a good starting point.

Ron Ford
Woodwind Specialist
Performer/Teacher/Arranger
http://www.RonFordMusic.com

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 Re: Mouthpiece-Reed Optimization Chart
Author: graham 
Date:   2023-11-01 18:01

I have understood that the strength grade of a reed is purely the cane resistance or density. How compliant the reed is is then also determined by the cut, hence the common differences. Add to this the fact that reeds are designed with differing profiles which will cause them to work quite differently on different facing profiles (not merely terminal tip opening) and you are then far adrift from a particular marked reed strength being appropriate to a given mouthpiece. The variables are just too many for that to be possible.

Of course, a manufacturer could recommend say three reeds with their strengths that are viewed as particularly suitable for the average player, just as an initial guide.

graham

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 Re: Mouthpiece-Reed Optimization Chart
Author: moma4faith 
Date:   2023-11-05 04:55

I was taught that the more open the tip, the more resistance felt when playing. Conversely, the closer the opening of the tip, the less resistance felt when playing. A soft reed might shut down a closer tip opening, so a harder reed will help with that. Also, an open tipped mouthpiece will have less resistance with a softer reed strength. Was I taught correctly? (asking the pros here)

If all that makes sense, then you can match reed strength to your desired amount of resistance. And that is probably subjective for all of us, with our own embouchure and oral structure, isn't it?

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