The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sarah
Date: 2001-12-18 17:45
Aside from the synthetic reed debate, I have a question. Is there anyway to ajust synthetic reeds? It seems that if you could, that would some some of the problems that other people are having with regards to strength and response.
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Author: Tim Sites
Date: 2001-12-18 19:05
There should be no problem adjusting a synthetic reed, so long as it is cut from a synthetic blank the same way a standard cane reed is cut. Most synthetics are made this way, but a few are injected molded and get there strength from the shape of the molding, not cutting (I can't remember which ones these were, but they may not even be made anymore).
Because the properties of the synthetic material is different than that of cane, the amount of adjustment and where to adjust will not be the same. Given the expense of most synthetic reeds, experimenting could be a costly adventure. Try using a fine wet/dry sandpaper with a 600 grit make only small adjustments.
Most of the problems with synthetic reeds is not simply strength, but there tonal characteristics due to the different resonant properties and physical properties such as mass, stiffness and damping characteristics. Modern synthetic reeds are a great improvement over the one of the past, but they still have not quite reached parity with a good piece of cane. Even one that feels right, is responsive and plays in tune, will still sound different.
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2001-12-18 19:12
I used my Reed Wizard on Fibrecell reeds with no problem - works just as well as on cane reeds.
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2001-12-19 01:32
I sanded a Legere reed bottom surface. It was totally ruined. The surface became fluffy.
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Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2001-12-19 05:10
>There's instructions on the Legere Website on how to adjust their reeds.
"Sanding, scraping and clipping of the reed are discouraged. Clipping the reed with a conventional reed clipper is likely to cause tip damage. If necessary, the reeds can be scraped with a sharp blade held perpendicular to the reed. They should be scraped from the top of the vamp towards the tip. Fine sandpaper may also be used in the same way. NEVER sand or scrape the reed in the other direction. Do not try to sand the base of the reed. Keep in mind that it is not possible to return a reed for exchange or refund once it has been altered in any way."
I did two wrong things:1)SANDED in the other direction, 2)SANDES the base of the reed.
I knew this after I did it several years ago. Thanks Mark.
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