 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: LockJaw
Date: 2002-05-13 16:20
I'm just starting to play the clarinet and thought it would be a good idea if I limited the variables by starting out with a Fibracell reed. Then if something doesn't sound right I don't have to worry about the reed being part of the problem.
I have done this with my sax with good results.
Anyone have any experience to relate?
LJ
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2002-05-13 17:21
Fibracell reeds are almost as variable as cane reeds, and perhaps a little more difficult to adjust. If you get one setup the way you want it, though, it will last and last, and perform the same at the end of a gig as at the beginning, even though you won't.
Fibracells can be adjusted using the same tools as cane reeds. For example, I have used my Reed Wizard on them with good results.
If you are just beginning on the clarinet, and not exactly secure in your knowledge of what works and what does not work *for you*, then cane reeds, at $2.00 each instead of $8.00 each, may well be your better choice.
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Author: Anne
Date: 2002-05-13 20:50
Dear Lockjaw,
I use synthetic reeds for alto sax, but I really don't like them for the clarinet. I can't get nearly the same tone out of the fibracells on the clarinet. Yes,the cane is a pain. And I chant that sometimes, too. But try the cane first.
Best, Anne
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2002-05-14 20:31
LJ,
Here Is An Addendum:
I don't particularly care for the sound I get with Fibracells - they don't feel as "live" to me. IMHO cane reeds feel better, and sound better.
As an aside, sax players, even the best doublers I know, for some reason seem very self-conscious about their Clarinet sound, even when from my non-doubler's point of view their sound is perfectly wonderful. This seems especially true for those who learned to double well after leaving school. This would perhaps make them more likely to react to the different tonal qualities between cane and synthetic reeds.
On the other hand, I got 20 weddings out of my last Fibracell, which is hard to argue with. The current one has about 10 gigs on it, and plays pretty much like it did when it was newly adjusted. And you don't have to worry about using a "good" reed for woodshedding, either.
Regards,
Ralph
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Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2002-05-16 03:35
Maybe it is "Apples and Onions" but I do not really care for a Fibracell on my Bb Soprano but a Tenor Sax Fibracell on my Bass Clarinet works for me. It could be the tonal differences in the sizes of the mouthpieces or the other weird factors I can't explain--Sorry 'bout that.
Bob A
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Author: David Dow Symphony NB
Date: 2002-05-16 10:27
The fibracell by rico are excellent only if your playing outdoors and don't need to worry so much about tone. The danger which I perceive with these style reeds is the fact they are not variable and also produce a wheezy sound....I woud consider strongly normal cane reed for any serious work...but these may also work well for you...
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Author: David Dow
Date: 2002-05-19 21:58
Someone told me Fibracell cane are made with asbestos and boy this was funny...they are arificial so don't expect great results
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