 The Fingering Forum
|
Author: reed sucker
Date: 2003-04-03 01:39
I play the clarinet. For the senior concert, I'm playing a song called "Instant Concert".It consists mostly high register notes. Should I use:
strength 2 1/2 or
strength 3
I reallllly need help. The concert is next month!
my e-mail is www.alexadickerson@yahoo.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Saxplaya
Date: 2003-04-03 18:07
definetly 3...harder reeds are better to play in high registers. If you use a 2 1/2 either your going to be squeaking or no noise is going to come out.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dee
Date: 2003-04-03 23:05
Sorry saxplaya but that is not quite correct. The softer reed merely requires more embouchure control and breath support to play the altissimo well but it can be done. One must also guard against "biting" or "pinching" to get the notes out as such habits ruin the sound quality. Many jazz players choose to use softer reeds as they need the greater flexibility that the softer reed affords them for their overall playing needs.
However, depending on the mouthpiece, I would generally recommend a slightly harder reed but it's not absolutely necessary.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: d-oboe
Date: 2003-04-04 05:44
again, it's personal preference. Whichever reed lets you put a decent amount of air through, and actually lets you produce a nice full tone, then you use that strength. It doesn't really have anything to do with being more "professional".
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Saxplaya
Date: 2003-04-04 13:04
um...Dee what instument do u play because i also play clarinet and its kinda impossible hitting high notes above a high d and up on a 2 1/2 reed...my band director is a great clarinetist and he told us that himself.
Please dont take this into offense but it can be possible like u said to get that high on a softer reed.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dee
Date: 2003-04-04 16:20
I am a very advanced clarinet player. For years, I used 2 1/2 reeds and played altissimo G (i.e. 4 ledger lines above the staff) with no problems. I did not switch to harder reeds until I went to a more closed mouthpiece.
As I said before, jazz players often choose a soft reed to allow them the maximum flexibility of tone color yet they hit altissimo notes with ease. It's the breath support and embouchure control (but don't bite or pinch) that are the keys.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
