Author: HautboisJJ
Date: 2006-08-03 19:25
This is very subjective i find.....i have played on reeds that sound beautiful with virtually no struggle, and some, which i would not likely use the word struggle, but more like extra effort - or air in this situation, to get the sound going, but still, the reed sounds beautiful and there is no sign of blowing too aggresively.
I agree that most reed makers leave quite a bit of wood left on the reeds to make room for adjustment. But that would sound rather contreversial to their definitions of 'finished reeds' wouldnt it? But a finished reed IS different among everyone's personal preferences anyways.
Susan, a very light breath. I think that might not work always on all reeds, and it's pretty dangerous to get used to 'virtually no breath required reeds'. You might find that reeds that play beautifully which require virtually no breath sounds pretty decent and nice up front, but will lack the quality of sound needed to project and have dynamic flexibility. That i find almost always true for my reeds.
But....(assuming reed is well made regardless of strength and diaphragm supports very well)
How light is a light breath? I think i understand what you are trying to describe, and i think i have had pretty much the same experience. It takes a lot of experience to figure out the right sound, and i trust that you have that sort of quality and ability in hand. Harder reeds i find seem to require less embouchure work, and ironically less air to sound fuller in tone! Softer reeds in the other hand is totally the opposite, but that doesnt mean harder reeds are better, because we all know harder reeds lacks some of the flexibility needed to sound good. So there is sort of a balance, but it might differ amongst players, and the number of variables are extremely high! Just my point of view!
Howard
Post Edited (2006-08-03 19:29)
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