 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2002-12-06 19:15
I just ordered a Legere reed to use for practicing. I am practicing fairly often and didn't want to keep buying and breaking in new reeds. A bit lazy, yes, however I figured this legere should last me a very long time and that'll save money and frustration in the end.
But I am going to buy a new box of reeds in order to find and prepare a few concert performance level reeds. So practice on the Legere, perform on cane. Here's the question . . .
Once I break in the new reeds, and find one or two that are performance worthy, how long can I keep them in a reed holder and have them retain their concert ready shape? Is it necessary to play on them at certain intervals to keep them in that shape? Thanks.
Alexi
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Author: Brenda
Date: 2002-12-06 19:44
Others can comment on the "how long" question, but something you should know about switching between Legere and cane reeds - Legere reeds are wonderful for not warping, for being there when you need them and not drying out, etc, etc. But one thing is that they're easier on the embouchure than cane is, and the embouchure gets out of shape pretty fast. You could find yourself tiring out during performance if your mouth muscles aren't in shape anymore.
Also, it's a good idea to have many reeds ready, not just two. If you have a nice array of 8 - 10 ready reeds, then you'll find one that works (hopefully) that day. Between your own health and the mood of the reed, it can be tricky to find one that you're happy with when you have to perform.
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Author: William
Date: 2002-12-06 20:33
One could say, "Spare the cane, and spoil the chops."
My opinion is that if you perform on cane, then you should practice cane to maintain a finer sense of reed control and tonal focus. I keep about twelve reeds rotating in groups of four--break-in, performance ready, and klingons--reeds just starting to decline, but are still good for short term use. This rotation insures that I will always have a reed for the gig that works.
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Author: Suzanne
Date: 2002-12-06 21:04
I don't know about anyone else, but I have never had a reed that I was "saving" for a performance the way you described, that played the way I wanted it when the big day came. Now I just rotate a whole bunch and find one that happens to work that particular day that I have to perform.
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Author: Burt
Date: 2002-12-07 00:16
I've kept a "top" reed for over a year, playing on it only for concerts. My present best reed is a few months old. It's my guess that a reed could last indefinitely, even if used, if it's cleaned in hydrogen peroxide, then stored.
I started using a Legere occasionally. Brenda and William, thanks for pointing out that using it too often would prevent me from maintaining a strong embochure.
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Author: Karel
Date: 2002-12-07 01:12
When a reed does not want to play well for me, I put it aside for 6-12 months. Oftener than not it transforms itself into a respectable performer in that time. No reason why a good reed should do the reverse?
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Author: Burt
Date: 2002-12-08 17:03
I find what looks like reeds changing all the time - even the plastic ones. They all seem to get too hard, or all too soft.
Conclusion: It's not the reeds that are changing.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2002-12-09 04:11
Thanks for all the replies. I didn't know that a legere reed would mess up my embouchre. I'll be careful. I also really like suzannes idea of just rotating a bunch and find which plays the best that day. Reminds me of stories about pros who did wierd things with reeds. Pros that would play the first reed out of a box, pros that would leave their reed on the mouthpiece for days at a time, wierd stuff. I guess we all have our methods. Thanks for all the advice again.
Alexi
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Author: ken
Date: 2002-12-09 14:29
One more enthusiastic vote on endurance/chop problems playing on the Legeres. If you play a lot, the loss of stamina with "over use" will sneak up on you if you're not careful. And, being in the middle of a performance is the LAST place you want to find out. I'd apply "moderation" if playing on them...one reminder was enough for me; I tossed mine in the can. v/r KEN
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2002-12-10 02:14
I found all synthetics absoloutely inferior to cane in every way, so much so that I couldn't see myself even using them for the practise room.
I like to play on a whole box, rotational, until the good ones begin to emerge. These are usually the ones I favour the most (usually about 4). Then, these are slowly altered (by sanding etc.) to exactly how I want them. Usually, I pick the more resistant ones, because in about 3 weeks, they're very nicely broken in and play so beautifully.
For example, the audition I just did last week (and was accepted into music school!!!), I planned the reed perfectly. 3 week prior, I got a new box, and, just as I thought, I ended up with the perfect reed on the day.
Just my opinion, don't go crazy cause I bagged synthetics!
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Author: Brenda
Date: 2002-12-10 19:41
Actually, the synthetic reeds are a really nice backup for "just in case", when your reeds simply don't cooperate on that important day. It's not a bad idea to have one that suits you in your reed case. They don't take up any room at all and can save the day, spoken from experience!
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