Testing clarinet reeds (V21, 56 Rue Lepic, V12, Gonzalez FOF) and new break-in approach, day 1

[@jimis3167]

I have tried many reeds and I think I settle on V12s because they're the most responsive and most reliable. I remember I also liked Steuer classic and Marca Superieure. From Vandorens, Juno really could be the next big thing If they were making it in higher strengths. I like Juno a lot! They have great potential.

[@alexeysclarinet9109]

Thank you for your response. As for my experience, I think the best reed I ever played was Sinus (by Rudolf Pflaumer). Pilgerstorfer Dolce were really nice too.

[@pacmar7919]

​@@alexeysclarinet9109Mr Pflaumer died more 10 years ago. His wife told me by email. She told me that the Mr Pflaumer machines were on sale. Do you know if anybody bought these machines?

[@alexeysclarinet9109]

@@pacmar7919 I don't know.

[@jimis3167]

I recommend playing only lower notes on new reeds, like the 1rst of three pieces of Stravinsky. I play that all the time on my new reeds. The finger rubbing can be actually the best method for softening reeds as It doesn't take off the cane, good idea. Just we have to clean our hands with soap and water before.

[@alexeysclarinet9109]

It's interesting that this rubbing was described in Clarinetist Compendium by Daniel Bonade, but he wrote that it should make reed more resistant, not softer 😊 Btw, I like your idea with Stravinsky piece!

[@jimis3167]

@@alexeysclarinet9109 In your experience, what rubbing finger results on a reed? softening or stiffening It?

[@alexeysclarinet9109]

@@jimis3167 it's definitely not softening the reed. But I am not sure if it makes reed more resistant. Though it seems to me that reed treated that way plays longer. So maybe there is some increased resistance.

[@jimis3167]

@@alexeysclarinet9109 I've been doing this too but not as much time as you. When I play and my reed is not very responsive, I rub it with my finger and instantly becomes more responsive.

[@alexeysclarinet9109]

@@jimis3167 I see. It's funny how we all have different experiences 😊

[@blevinsmusic]

Sounds like you're trying Robert Marcellus's break-in method. Except I don't think he rubbed on his. I have never rubbed them, I want the water to get in during the break-in process and it seems like trying to close the pores by rubbing would defeat the purpose. But...reeds are a personal thing. We do what we have to do lol.

[@alexeysclarinet9109]

You are right, I tried the Marcellus break-in method ( except rubbing) after seeing a video on KZbin. Though I think I am not going to use his method. It's too long and I didn't find that it's really a superior over common approach.

[@blevinsmusic]

@@alexeysclarinet9109It is SO long lol I'm not sure I'll make it through my first try :-). Your sound is beautiful, by the way.

[@alexeysclarinet9109]

@@blevinsmusic Thank you! And yeah, understood. It was very difficult for me to stick with the procedure 😁

[@janrahaev8280]

какой у вас мундштук?

[@alexeysclarinet9109]

Тут вандорен 5rv lyre