 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: James
Date: 2002-12-06 05:35
Part of the break in process i have been taught was to break in reeds by soaking them. How long do I do this? I really don't know. I can just tell if i over soaked or didn't over soak. Can anyone give me a good time estimate (ie. 1 minute, 4 minutes, ect) Thanks!
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Author: Karel
Date: 2002-12-06 07:02
I understood (or misunderstood) that the first time the reed should be soaked by saliva completely, i.e. the heel is saturated. Thereafter the aim is to seal the reed and any soaking, using saliva
again, aims to wet the tip only.??
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Author: David Spiegelthal
Date: 2002-12-06 13:57
My time-tested procedure has been: Soak new reeds in tap water (not saliva) for 10 minutes, once a day, drying thoroughly by rubbing the reed between your fingers from back to tip. Repeat for about a week, then start playing on the reeds, a few minutes only for the first play-test, then gradually increasing the time over the period of a few more days. During this time you can start adjusting the reeds with a knife and/or sandpaper --- generally it's a good idea to buy your reeds about a half-strength harder than your desired final playing strength, to allow you to scrape or sand the bottoms flat (frequently reeds warp slightly during break-in, and occasionally thereafter during use). I like to break in about 8 reeds at a time, usually an assortment of different brands.
Everybody has his/her own favorite procedure, there's no single "correct" method.
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Author: bob gardner
Date: 2002-12-06 14:09
boy do I do this wrong. I put a new reed in my mouth for about 15 seconds and then start playing.
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Author: William
Date: 2002-12-06 15:16
Start with a slightly stronger reed than you think you need--V12 3.5 or 4.0 strength for me.
As for wetting, I "soak" my reed (new or experianced) in my mouth for about the amount of time it takes to assemble my clarinet(s). Then, before playing, I rub the vamp with my forefinger to seal the exposed xylum openings. This somewhat seals the reed and prevents the absorbtion of too much salia during playing. After playing (and adjusting), rub the vamp again to force excess moisture from the reed tip area and facilitate even drying. Store on a flat--some say porus--surface until next use. I never sand or burnish the backs of my reeds--they never seem to warp--and I use a reed knife for adjustments and balancing. Chicago Kaspar #14 with a VD Optimum lig--this reed routine works for me!!!
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Author: Brad C
Date: 2002-12-06 16:43
There is no right or wrong way to do this. Whatever works best for you is the right way. Experiment with the different suggestions given in this thread and develop your own break-in methodology. For me experimentation is part of the challenge and enjoyment I get out of Clarinet playing.
Personally I use saliva only to soak reeds for break-in and prior to playing. Depending on the weather, I usually soak them for 30 seconds to one minute tops. Any longer and my reeds seem to get a bit soggy. I have never had good luck with using water.
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-12-07 17:35
Before I use a reed, I soak, in either saliva or water, until the "washboard" effect in the tip goes away. It varies with the particular reed, but 4-5 minutes is the most it takes.
Before a practice session, I put half a dozen reeds in a saucer to soak up. I take them out and put them bark-sde down on a table, so the water stays on them, and rotate them every 15 minutes or so.
YMMV, but it works for me.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Carol Dutcher
Date: 2002-12-07 20:43
I have a procedure that is certainly different but it is the way my father taught me. He played in big bands. If the reed is not the way you want it after soaking it with saliva, scrape it a little with a single edged razor blade. Then try again. It has worked for me for many years. He also had a trick of burning the very end with a cigar, but unfortunately I don't smoke (!). I have thought about getting a reed clipper, but so far have never done it. Has anyone ever used the razor blade method besides me?
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Author: carmen izzo
Date: 2002-12-07 23:26
I recently purchased a book from Woodwind+Brasswind by Larry Guy titled "selction, adjustment, and care of single reeds". This book is extrememly comprehensive with reed care and gives all sorts of troubleshooting advice. I recommend this $15 book to all of you.
Carmen
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Author: Benny
Date: 2002-12-08 02:39
I don't soak my new reeds in water. Instead I just soak it in my mouth until my horn is warmed up. (About three minutes or so.) The reeds (Black Master) work for me 90% of the time. Not fresh out of the box of course - I sand and file with a knife all of my reeds before I play on them.
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Author: Burt
Date: 2002-12-08 17:07
I've used a razor blade, also Dutch rush. The key is where on the reed to scrape, and there are lots of articles on the subject; I'm certainly not a master of the technique, but I use it.
If the reed is too soft, I use a reed clipper.
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Author: Leonard A
Date: 2002-12-09 20:02
I find that soaking a reed about a thirty seconds to a minute before using it and then drying the excess off by rubbing the reed between my thumb and index finger works best. Any longer and the reed is water logged. I break in a new reed by soaking it overnight. From reading the posts it seems that there is a ride range of methods that work for different people.
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