Testing clarinet reeds 2 (V21, 56 Rue Lepic, V12, Gonzalez FOF) and new break-in approach, results

[@stormlord620]

Handsome man

[@jimis3167]

I think you sound the best with the V12. My method is just using saliva and increasing playing time in half every practice session. When I get a new box of ten, I open only two reeds, starting at 15 seconds each. In the next practice session(which can be in the same day, morning to afternoon) I play them 30 seconds. Next day in the morning 1 minute, in the afternoon 2.5 minutes etc. Last counting is 40 minutes. After that I might leave them a day and move on with another two new ones, same process. Something else I just found is that playing without any mouthpiece patch on the mouthpiece is much better, you should give a try. Neck strap helps in this quite a bit so mouthpiece doesn't slip.

[@alexeysclarinet9109]

Thank you for your input. I think your method makes sense. As for playing w/o patch I can only do it when I play double lip embouchure , but sooner or later I add a patch on mouthpiece

[@jimis3167]

​​@@alexeysclarinet9109 It benefits a lot without patch, even playing single lip. I also put folded cigarette paper on my teeth in my lower lip. That also helps a lot because my lips are sensitive to the slightest pressure from the teeth. Don't get me wrong, I don't smoke, but because my parents do, there's a lot of It.😁

[@alexeysclarinet9109]

@@jimis3167 Got it lol. I specially buy cigarette paper and use it to remove water between holes and pads

[@jimis3167]

​@@alexeysclarinet9109I use It for that too! 😂

[@TheTRUEMAN000]

As for me mouthpiece patch(cushion) is important but you need to find good one. Old black vandoren's thick patches were great but new vandoren's plastic like black is terrific. For me I like patches for preserving mouthpiece, comfort for teeth, non-slipping. Also it makes difference for sound exactly. If you try thin plastic patch(transparent) it will hive little brightness and clarity to the sound. If you try thick one rough which non-slipping to teeth it will give little bit mat, darkness and deep to the sound.