 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2002-11-10 23:11
We both had problems with the gigliotti ligature. Curiousity wanted to know what size reed was recommended for the P facing (which is the one that I own as well) and I was going nuts trying to get the altissimo notes to come out smoothly and controlled. And I was going nuts about getting a harder reed cause everyone recommends a hard reed with it. Well here's what I found today with a fair amount of messing around and with a little suggestion from someone who told me that Benny Goodman used a very soft reed on a medium closed mouthpiece. Whether it was true or just to inspire me to try out something else, I broke out a vandoren V12 #3 and tried it.
I had previously been using fours with some success, and the #3 on this mouthpiece, for me anyways, seems to be ten times better. I can easily control those higher notes, no squeaking, all the notes are clear. I do notice that the sound tends to be a more brighter "happier" tone, but that's a whole slew of other posts. Bottom line is I'm happy I just tried something new and I'm rarin to go out and buy myself a two-pack of 2.5ers to see if it's better! We'll see . . . . .
Alexi
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-11-11 01:39
Alexi: I only say these things because they're true. If something inspires you, all the better. Sounds to me as if you are on the right track: not concentrating upon someone else's specific suggestions, but rather finding out for yourself. That's the most sensible, if not the only, way to achieve your best. You'll have it narrowed down soon. Of course, as your playing continues to improve, your preferred setup may change. If that happens, don't be afraid to "go with the flow." Good luck.
And if GBK is around somewhere, maybe he would be willing to verify that BG reed/mouthpiece setup.
Regards,
John
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Author: smitten
Date: 2002-11-11 03:05
Here's my experience with this mp. I've tried it on several french, american, and english instruments, with MANY combinations of reed and ligature. The happiest setup I've found for this mp is, believe it or not, the Gigliotti P facing mp with a Rovner dark and #3 Grand Concert Select on my '30 Boosey & Hawkes Edgeware (it's also the best mp I've found for this instrument out of the several makes I've tried). Sounds great and is a joy to play. I have no idea whether anyone else would have the same experience, but this is mine. I too like this mp and facing with a slightly softer reed. By the way, my Edgeware is in amazing condition and is an awesome horn for an intermediate make.
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Author: William
Date: 2002-11-11 03:23
Regarding Benny Goodman's reed strengths, I remember reading a long time ago that he used #2.5 for jazz and 3.5 for classical. Of course, these strengths may have only been relative to the particular mouthpiece he was using at the time as it is a well known that he used a variety of equipement during his career. If he was anything like Artie Shaw, he may have just used what worked for the moment. Just some late night Sunday thoughts........
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Author: d dow
Date: 2002-11-12 11:02
Interesting to note that once again reed streagnth may not always be dictated by the recommended size one normally associates with very closed facings. A 4 V12 or 3 1/2 should suffice for such a mouthpiece...too hard a reed naturally asserts a dead sound...keep reed knife nearby for modifications....
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