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RE: Reed Sizes

Author: Dee
Date: 1999-08-14 03:42

Sara wrote:
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Dee-
I have the same exact two mouthpieces, but I use the same regular Vandoren 3's on both but I think I might need to get a harder reed or something because I constantly rotate 6 different reeds when I play but they still don't seem to last long and and I think I might try out a harder reed or try the V12's, what do you think I should do?
Sara
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Well you need to experiment and find what suits you. However for starters, here is what the inserts that came with these mouthpieces recommended in the standard Vandoren reed.

B45 - the equivalent of a regular Vandoren 3, 3.5, or 4
5RV - the equivalent of a regular Vandoren 3.5, 4, or 4.5

As you can see, the reed that you are using is ok for one mouthpiece but a little soft for the other. You might try the 3.5 strength.

Also what kind of reed life are you getting? Perhaps you just expect too much of those poor reeds! Something that helps in addition to rotating reeds is to be sure that you don't eat or drink anything but except water right before and during playing.

It can also help to condition the reeds before you play them for the first time. Soak them in water. Lay them on a flat surface. Then rub the reed from the thick part toward the tip several times. Use some pressure when you rub. Let them dry out well before putting them into the rotation. This closes down the pores a bit and seems to make them last a bit longer. There are other, more elaborate reed conditioning routines, but this one is simple and doesn't take much time for busy people like myself.

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