Author: LJBraaten
Date: 2012-12-08 04:51
I can't say for sure, but when I have a similar problem it is usually reed warping. The thick part of the reed is not sealing on the table of the mouthpiece, making it difficult to play. This can happen any time, but is more common a newer reed. Some of my best new reeds have become nearly unplayable when this happens. The way to tell is to do the suction test: Take the barrel and mouthpiece off, and cover the barrel with the flat of your hand, making a seal. Suck in on the mouthpiece. If the reed doesn't stick to the tip of the mouthpiece for at least a long second or two, it is probably warped. The back will need to be sanded on fine paper, 600 - 350 grit, lying on a perfectly flat surface (piece of glass). Wet your fingers, place one on the bark, one in the middle of the vamp, gently move back and forth. If you don't want to thin the tip/vamp, just sand the thick area by allowing the thin part to hang over the edge of the paper. Sometimes when I do this I finish by sanding the whole reed with a couple of passes on 600 grit, so I don't have any rough transitions at the unsanded portion. I have been able to revitalize some reeds after a little sanding. But with some I have had to be surprisingly aggressive, several sandings with 350 grit.
Best wishes I hope you find a solution, failing reeds can be a real pain.
Laurie
(Mr. Laurie J Braaten)
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The Clarinet BBoard
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