Author: Daniel Frazelle
Date: 2008-06-03 17:57
I've had reed clippers for years but never used them much on commercial reeds. Because you are clipping them back and making the tips thicker, this just never worked. Sanding the tip area down a little was also not a viable option. When I tried this, inevitably the danger of sanding directly on the tip led to ruining the precision cut of the tip. Even if I had been able to work the tip correctly, the side rails would have been out of proportion to the middle of the reed.
Reed clippers are essential, however, for making your own reeds. Fine tuning the reed's resistance by clipping is simple and effective. The Cordier is really the best one I've used, but you should use it the way David describes above. If you tear off the carriage and don't bother with the screw, you can hold it in place and fine-tune the amount you're clipping off. You can take off the tiniest amounts this way, giving you more control.
The tip shape with too much curvature still bothers me but it's the best available option. Also, if you try out a number of Cordiers, you can find one with a proper, symetrical curve. They're inconsistent, but good ones can be found.
Post Edited (2008-06-03 17:59)
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The Clarinet BBoard
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