The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: Moved from a Vandoren 3 to 3-1/2

Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2020-03-22 22:00

Erez Katz wrote:

> The reed should not close and the pitch should stay solid even
> with a #2 reed.
>

Although in general I discourage my students from using harder reeds than necessary, I think you can take this too far. If I put a #2 reed (at least, a reed of any design I've ever tried) on my close-tipped medium-long-curved mouthpiece I will not be able to maintain good intonation at the higher reaches of the normal compass - say, above A5 and definitely not above the altissimo break without applying extra (more than usual) embouchure pressure. And the tone, whether or not it's "solid", will not be one I would ever want to be heard producing in public.

Someone not too long ago posted something about two or three major, well-known players who were using V-12 #5s on mouthpieces like B45. The point of that post, as I remember, had to do with having to use more air, but I have my doubts that there isn't a good deal more embouchure pressure in use than many of us consider ideal. If it works for the player, it works. If an approach were causing me pain or injury, I would be looking for alternatives. But the end result is what's important.

Karl

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics