Reeds and subtoning

[tenor71363]

I want every reed I play to subtone well, but alas they rarely do. Why do certain reeds subtone better than others? What part of the reed, if any can be shaved to improve the subtoning of a reed?

[Nefertiti]

The only time I have trouble sub-toning is if a reed is way too hard for me. Usually, if they are too hard they don't play well at all anyways for me. Are you reeds too hard?

[tenor71363]

No. I use 2 1/2. On the average, I get 3 reeds out of a box that can subtone the way I like it. They all can subtone, but not the way I like it, which is easy and not dull sounding. Maybe the reeds are inconsistent as far as strength goes? I like a reed to subtone like the first note of Ben Webster playing "My Funny Valentine". Is that too much to ask? :)

[JL]

Maybe the reeds are inconsistent as far as strength goes?

No "maybe" about it. Yes, they are all inconsistent.

[littlewailer]

Reeds will play with a little bit of a different timbre even if everything feels comfortable so I guess that could change the timbre of your subtone as well.

The technique stays the same however. I think if you just practice the spectrum of sound you can get by varying your airstream and embouchure you'll find what you need to do to get the sound you want.

There is also a cheaters subtone that I use A LOT.

You can muffle the vibrations of the reed with your tongue and play.
A little hard to explain in theory but in practice it kind of speaks for itself.

If anyone can explain exactly tongue placement and other logistics please help out. I just call it playing with your tongue on the reed. Sounds fat.

[JohnGalt]

Yes, 3 out of a box is not bad. You are experiencing "vibrancy" issues that are universal. You are finding that many reeds are playable, but few have that certain ease of speaking etc etc. Its not you, its the "inconsistency" of playing and relying on a plant for your tone. Look for the good ones out of the box and play those. On a side note, I find reeds with longer vamps a little buzzier and conducive for subtones, I avoid "classiques" or even "Java" style shorter cuts.