 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Cindy
Date: 2002-02-06 04:53
I recently started on V12's and found a huge dilemma. Though they are better in some ways, I have found that the 3 1/2's are too soft and the 4's are too hard. I can't have my teacher shave off every 4 for me to use, and I don't know how to do it yet, but I find this odd. Is there a brand/type/size of reed that plays like a 3 3/4 V12 would if there were such thing?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: shari
Date: 2002-02-06 05:41
I have been using "4" V-12s for almost a year now on a Vandoren B45 mouthpiece. What I have been doing that helps is soaking the reeds before I break them in. Before I even play on them, I soak the reeds for about 10-15 minutes and let them dry on something flat, belly up. The next day I'll repeat the same procedure but only for about 5 minutes, and the day after that the same thing. I'll then play on each for about 5 minutes a piece to break them in a little better. The "4"s are worth it - especially when your playing notes in the "rafters." Also, don't be afraid to use a fine grit sandpaper or something else to help.
I hope this helps.
shari
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GBK
Date: 2002-02-06 06:00
Cindy...Before you change to another brand of reed, perhaps you should learn a little about how Vandoren grades their reeds.
You should be aware that in a box of V12 #3 1/2 there is a wide range of strengths even within the box. Vandoren has the ability to grade reeds in 1/10 strengths.
Therefore in a box of #3 1/2, there may be reeds ranging from 3.1 to 3.9. This is done intentionally to assure that most players will find the most useable reeds under all acoustic, humidity and weather conditions. So, eventhough some reeds will feel too soft or too hard, there should be some that are close to what you need.
Read the following, for a clearer explanation:
http://www.sneezy.org/clarinet/Equipment/Reeds/Consistency.html
If you do decide to investigate other brands, Zonda makes their reeds with 3 substrengths in each size, and Gonzalez "For Our Friends" reeds do come in quarter size strengths
The other option, of course, is to start learning (with your teacher) to adjust the V-12 reeds to suit your mouthpiece and embouchure...GBK
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2002-02-06 14:46
Old GBK has some good advice. I would add that in using V-12s, you really need to buy them by the box and then go through the entire box to find the reeds--maybe 2-4--that will work for your mpc. When you buy reeds only two or three at a time, it is like taking a chance oo the lottery that you will get a "winner" that will play. Also, if you can get your instructor to show you how to adjust your reeds by shaving the corners, sides and tip (balancing), you will find many more reeds in that box that will eventually work .In addition to using my reed knife almost every practice session, I often use my Reed Wizard to help profile my reeds for better performance. Consequently, in a box of V-12s 3.5, I am usually able to produce 3 or 4 "concert" quality reeds with the others being playable for rehearsal or practice. Most often, no wasted, "throwaway" reeds. It is a bit tricky at first, but with a little experiance--trial and error stuff--you will soon be "in control" of that nasty little sliver of unruly cane. BTW, we are all with you in that constant search for the "reed that works." Buy By the Box (and learn to use your knife) Good Clarineting!!!!!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Gregory Smith
Date: 2002-02-06 21:53
Generally, if you like the qualities of some V12 3.5's or 4's, the rest is resolved through a development of good reed adjusting skills and curing technique. One's progress in their playing skills closely parallels that of their reed adjusting skills.
Gregory Smith
PS. I would agree that a Vandoren V12 3.5 is a medium reed by every standard compared against the plethora of reeds on the market - particularly within the Vandoren line of reeds. They are designed to play most effeciently on a "medium" facing/style mouthpiece. On a "medium" mouthpiece, 3 is medium light, 3.5 medium, 4 medium heavy, 4.5 to 5 - heavy.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
