The Clarinet BBoard

Yet another reed question

Author: lenc  Date:   2014-08-22 21:17 Beginner player here, got a newbie question, please bear with me True or false? A brand new #3 reed which sounds like a #2 1/2 will never become a #3 reed even after breaking-in. A brand new #3 reed which sounds like a #3 1/2 will have a chance to become a real #3 reed after proper breaking-in. Thanks!

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Re: Yet another reed question

Author: kdk ★2017 Date:   2014-08-22 21:44 Too simplistic. What does it mean to "sound like a (strength #)?" If you're asking whether a reed will become stiffer (stronger) as a result of a break-in process, the answer is "maybe." It depends on how the cane reacts to going through those first few wetting-drying cycles. It might also become softer. Cane involves a certain amount of mystery. "Sounds like" is probably the wrong description, anyway. You should look for the strength reed that *sounds* the best on your mouthpiece with your level of embouchure and support development. The higher the strength number, at least in theory, the more resistant the reed is to pressure from your lips. The best sounding reed will *feel* easy to blow without its being hard work and producing a fuzzy, airy sound. Only experience and some trial and error will tell you what strength of the reed brand and model you're using fits that description. Have fun with this, and view the experience as exploration, never as a set of rules to be followed. Karl

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