Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2016-04-18 18:06
Three more things about contra reeds.
First, it's absolutely essential that the reed be no wider than the mouthpiece rails, and preferably a little bit narrower. If it overlaps the outside of the rails even a tiny bit, your lower lip binds it against the rails and kills the vibration.
Second, the lay is curved and thus longer than a straight line. If you put the reed and mouthpiece tip exactly even, the reed will leak at the tip, particularly at the corners. Move the tip up perhaps 1/32".
Third, contra reeds almost always warp down the bottom center, making a tight seal impossible. This is because the bark on top doesn't expand, forcing the material underneath to bulge. I begin with #5 reeds and soak and sand several times until the area beneath the bark is stable. This brings the strength down to where I like it, which is about #2. You must also check reeds for an impression in the cane of the window, which makes a tight seal impossible and needs to be sanded flat.
Ken Shaw
Post Edited (2016-04-18 21:21)
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The Clarinet BBoard
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