The Clarinet BBoard  
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017 
Date:   2008-09-06 13:00 
 I put the new reed in my mouth while I put the clarinet together.  Then I practice.  Fwiw (I'm an amateur), it seems to me the best way to break in a new reed is to use it normally, assuming there's nothing inherently the matter with it (sloppy cut, bad cane, etc.). 
 
Lelia 
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban 
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
  
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Author: pewd  
Date:   2008-09-06 14:11 
 this is what works for me: 
   5 minutes the first day, 10 the 2nd, 15 the 3rd.  then put it into my normal rotation.        
 
if you play a new reed too long the first day it tends to get water logged.  look at the tip after playing a new reed for awhile - you'll see water stains.  i find it works better to break them in over a few days - they ultimately last longer. 
 
hth 
 
- Paul Dods 
Dallas, Texas
  
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Author: Ryder  
Date:   2008-09-06 15:14 
 Usually I just thrust them into a nearby wall. 
 
Seriously though, look at this thread and read Ed Palanker's process. Sounds different, but it works great. I've stuck to that procedure ever since I read it and have gotten great results. 
 
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=275315&t=275281 
 
____________________ 
Ryder Naymik 
San Antonio, Texas 
"We pracice the way we want to perform, that way when we perform it's just like we practiced"
  
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Author: William  
Date:   2008-09-06 18:01 
 I disagree with Tobin and use a music stand instead--quicker and seems more appropriate than just an average old wall.  The results, however, are usually the same....... 
 
Ed's method is great, except I never soak reeds in water, opting for saliva instead.  After a few seconds of mouthsoak, I then rub the vamps to prevent the reed from absorbing too much more moisture during the intial play-test.  Before playing, I always rub the vamps after intial mouthsoak for the same reason.  They seem to last longer and never dry out.     
 
Also, I never clip reeds that are too soft or lacking in heart, mainly because before I can, they always fail the stand test......
  
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Author: Tobin  
Date:   2008-09-06 19:22 
 Ha!  William I am happy to disagree with you whenever you like, but this time you're actually disagreeing with Ryder. 
 
Hope everyone's having a great weekend! 
 
James 
 
Gnothi Seauton
  
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Author: pewd  
Date:   2008-09-06 19:48 
 forget the wall or stand - try a magnifying glass in bright sunlight.... burn holes in those annoying things... 
 
- Paul Dods 
Dallas, Texas
  
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Author: claribari  
Date:   2008-09-07 23:15 
 I was told when I took private lessons that you should soak them in water overnight before playing on them, however I find that playing them fresh from the packaging works better for me. I usually just keep the old one around until I've had a couple days to play on my new reed. I find that on my clarinet new reeds work better than "old" reeds (the longest I keep tham before throwing them out is about 3 or 4 months at most). Also, I use Vandoren 56 Rue Lepic 3,5+'s. I don't know if strength or brand has anything to do with it, but if it does... that's what I use. Cheers.
  
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Author: autumnsilence  
Date:   2008-09-07 23:22 
 i have tried soaking them in water but i dont really like that technique.. i ususaly just keep it in my mouth before playing but ususaly keep it in a while longer than more used reeds. Its ususally fine if you get it moist enough
  
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Author: Ed Palanker  
Date:   2008-09-08 00:36 
 I agree with Ryder, read my link it really works.  ESP 
www.peabody.jhu.edu/457    Listen to a little Mozart
  
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