 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ben Shaffer
Date: 2020-02-04 02:56
I was looking up "Sanding Clarinet Reeds" on YouTube.
Well it seems half the Videos show people sanding the Bottom and the other half show People sanding various areas on the Top, or Upper Lip side.
So which works best?
I'm a Casual Clarinet Player and have no expertise in this area, but going forward would like to!
Ben Shaffer
GSO,NC
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Author: Fuzzy
Date: 2020-02-04 04:26
Some folks believe in sanding the flat side of the reed (the part that goes against the table of the clarinet mouthpiece) to make sure it is perfectly flat against the mouthpiece.
A lot of players adjust (sand/knife/reed cane/etc.) the top or "upper lip side" in order to balance a reed from side to side, lighten the feel of a hard reed, or otherwise adjust the playing characteristics of a reed.
Fuzzy
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Author: TomS
Date: 2020-02-04 09:05
Not long ago, I used to go thru long rituals with reeds. No more. I also use Legere reeds most of the time.
The less you mess with reeds, the more time you have to play.
Quality reeds shouldn't need sanding.
If some are really bad, set them aside for a few weeks or burn them in your fire pit.
Reposition reeds on MP table for best playing.
Play for a few minutes at first and double playing time each time (after a few hours rest) until you can play for a full rehearsal or concert. They will change during the break-in some ... but much, much less if you don't let them dry out after playing. I use 72 percent humidity packs that you get a a cigar store and keep reeds in a Rubbermaid plastic sandwich container. Make sure your reeds are on a flat surface in storage container.
If reeds too hard or soft, have a freer blowing and harder blowing MP to use these reeds on, as not to waste them. No sin in using 2-3 different MPs routinely.
Occasionally wipe reed with hydrogen peroxide to kill bacteria. A short soak will not hurt them as well.
Two things kill reeds: drying out after playing (warps) and bacteria (breaks down the material and is not good for your health).
Or, just find a MP that likes the Legere reeds.
Tom
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Author: Tom H
Date: 2020-02-10 00:15
I don't mess with reeds as much as I used to (and should). I won't start doing anything to a reed (Vandoren) that has no real promise.
I haven't used sand paper in years. I use my tiny knife and put the (wet) reed flat side down on my plexiglass. I shave a little of the tip, evenly spread out. Then some off the sides, for about 3/4 inch down from the tip.
Is that the best way? Who knows. I try variations if that's not enough, then through it away and find one I really don't have to touch with the knife.
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Musicnotes product no. MNO287475
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Author: Ed
Date: 2020-02-10 00:54
It depends on what the reed needs. If it is not sitting flat on the table of the mouthpiece (ie-slightly warped), I will work the back. Over the years I use a flat file rather than sandpaper. I feel I have a little more control and it works better for me. If I am adjusting for balance or response I work the vamp.
I see some talk about not wanting to take the time to work on reeds. I generally make very small adjustments early in the reeds life. In the first few playings I tweak it to optimize the playing characteristics. Some require a bit more work, some very little. I only do what is needed to get them playing the way I want/need. After the initial work, many reeds don't need anything. They sit in my case and I pull them out and play.
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Author: fernie121
Date: 2020-02-10 01:38
I use the ATG system on every reed. Even ones that I like out of the box can usually be improved. When I first started using it I wouldn’t dare use it on “good reeds” as I would sometimes ruin them. But now that I have refined my technique I can’t imagine playing a reed that hasn’t been adjusted. Like any great oboist or bassoonist, you have to know how to work with the cane to get the best and most consistent results. People have different techniques and tools. Sometimes I adjust a reed after a couple weeks as it will change slightly. Again, oboists and bassoonist a will do the same, sometimes scraping at a reed during rehearsals.
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