 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: smk
Date: 2007-07-01 02:31
Is there any received wisdom on the following question? Where should the edge of the reed fall on the beak of the mouthpiece? Given that the flat edge there has some width, do most players position the reed so that it touches the mouthpiece exactly on that flat edge, or so that it slightly overlaps the edge of the mouthpiece. I can notice a different sound, sometimes unpleasantly reedy, when the reed touches in the middle of the flat area, and a cleaner clearer sound when it slightly overlaps the edge.
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2007-07-01 02:39
It varies from reed to reed. Find a position that sounds good and feels comfortable. Experiment. There is no one position that works. Generally, a harder reed will work lower down, and a softer reed will work higher up.
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Author: SVClarinet09
Date: 2007-07-01 03:38
It does depend on the reed as morrigan said. my band director fusses at me because i constantly change the reed position trying to find the best sound, response, articulation, etc etc. usually though, the reed for me is just a teeny bit past the facing. i never keep it under because the response is unbearable.
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Author: J. J.
Date: 2007-07-01 03:55
Generally, it's best to try and keep the reed tip flush with the tip of the mouthpiece. Morrigan and Melvin are correct, however, that movements up and down can make the reed play harder and softer, respectively. Knowing that can really help adjustments.
On word of caution, however. In order to avoid getting too used to always moving the reed one way or the other, try and only mess with the positioning after fully evaluating the reed in the "correct" placement. Too much fussing around can create an unnecessary habit of changing it when it might not be necessary.
Other people's results may be different, but I find that moving the reed down is rarely a good solution other than in an absolute jam. The reason is that even a reed that is too hard to begin with will not have a certain hold or resiliency to the sound if placed below the mouthpiece tip. Furthermore, articulation will seriously suffer. I have had better luck articulating on reeds too hard than too soft.
Best of luck finding what works best for you!
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2007-07-01 04:06
Also, if a reed is imbalanced and you're in the middle of something and cannot adjust it, move the hard side inwards. For example, if the left side is hard (Vandorens), move the reed slightly to the right and it should make things a little more bearable until you can make that adjustment proper.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2007-07-01 10:50
I guess my favorite and best playing reed position is mid rail thickness.
Bob Draznik
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2007-07-01 14:38
I adjust my reeds to play best with the tip very slightly below the end of the mouthpiece, with the reed depressed against the mouthpiece.
If a reed seems to get harder or softer while I am playing in a situation where it would be awkward to change reeds, I will move it down slightly to play softer, or up slightly to play harder.
Post Edited (2007-07-01 18:24)
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Author: hans
Date: 2007-07-01 17:16
smk,
It may also help to check the reed position from both the front and the back of the mouthpiece. Often a reed that looked like it was installed straight will turn out not to be when it is viewed from the other side.
FWIW, I aim for approximately even with the tip of the mouthpiece (without bending the reed), which makes the reed position when viewed from the other side slightly above the mouthpiece tip.
Since I play a Legere plastic reed, which is very consistent with respect to playability, I use the same position every time.
Regards,
Hans
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2007-07-02 12:36
Another thought about moving the reed lower: You can't lower it more than the width of the tip rail. This dimension varies with mouthpieces, and obviously, YMMV.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2007-07-02 13:36
Very good advice from all ! I'm quite "picky" about reed position, with careful "centering" of the reed's butt on the flat, and the tip to equally cover the mp's lay/curve rails. Yesterday, playing bass cl, I adjusted position twice [during rest measures] to find my best sound on soft reeds [for pp passages, some cello support]. I have found Hans' tip location to be best, in general, since I like moderatly-open tips on most mps, where "reed-travel" is somewhat greater. Just AM thots, Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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