High notes & Reed Age

Tears June · 05-06-2003, 05:12 PM

When playing high note, altissimo note or overtones, I found very easy to get squeak if my reed are using over 10 to 12 hours totally.
Also, when the reed getting old, very difficult to get 3rd overtone start from C (Low C fingering to play a 3rd octave C).

Is it normal? If yes, should I throw these reeds (but it still can play, just squeakkkk on high notes). And how long you can use your reed without this problem?

PS: I've down break-in process on all new reed.

JS · 05-06-2003, 07:00 PM

I just wanted to thow this one out there - there just may be a possiblity that the "squeaks" aren't coming from your reeds...if you use to much vertical pressure (biting), the overtones not only won't come out, but yes, you could "squeak". Try taking your time with the overtone exercises - don't start each one with the tongue - let the air do the work - take your time and let each note resonate and "ring" - once they're in tune, you should be able to notice (by hearing it and feeling it) the difference. IMHO, relaxation is the key to the overtone series, which in turn is the key to trully playing the altissimo register.
I could be wrong, but I'm not so sure that the reeds are an issue...

Tears June · 05-07-2003, 09:44 AM

js,

Thanks. BTW, I would like to you how long you can use a reed by total playing hours ?

When my reed get squeak, I touch it and found it's much softer than when it was new.

tyler_terlecki · 05-11-2003, 12:38 AM

i have found that some of my reeds have lasted me several weeks of 2 to 4 hours of play time per day, i think it depends how you play, and how good the reed is

Cameron Wigmore · 05-23-2003, 02:32 PM

If the reed is older and used a lot, it will not have the same resonance in the upper register as a new one. Some go quicker than others. If a reed is a #2 or softer, it will die more quickly than a #3 - 4. You should be able to play for many hours before one kacks out, but I've had reeds that die within an hour, (even after a proper break in procedure), and when I go to play them again they're soft and dead. Others have lasted me - now don't laugh - literally years! I have reeds from 7 years ago that I've rotated, cleaned, put away for a year, used for a few months, etc. and they seem to take forever to die. Reed cane is a strange thing indeed...

MS · 05-23-2003, 03:03 PM

Tears June
If you choose a reed strength that plays easily out of the box, what you describe can be normal. Some players choose a reed strength that has some resistence that will play in a reed for a week or two. They may also polish the reed to seal the cane pores and help the cane stabilize in moisture content ( so that when you wet the reed, it doesn't swell as much as when new - nor does it completely dry out as quickly).

Some reeds play in the altissimo register better than others (of the same brand and size). Those reeds that do everything better (especially altissimo), I break in carefully, and use them sparingly except for performance.

Some days I have more energy than others and play harder. I usually try to keep three or four reeds of slightly different blowing resistance ready to match. Good luck and have fun.

Tears June · 06-10-2003, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MS

Tears June
If you choose a reed strength that plays easily out of the box, what you describe can be normal. Some players choose a reed strength that has some resistence that will play in a reed for a week or two. They may also polish the reed to seal the cane pores and help the cane stabilize in moisture content ( so that when you wet the reed, it doesn't swell as much as when new - nor does it completely dry out as quickly).

Some reeds play in the altissimo register better than others (of the same brand and size). Those reeds that do everything better (especially altissimo), I break in carefully, and use them sparingly except for performance.

Some days I have more energy than others and play harder. I usually try to keep three or four reeds of slightly different blowing resistance ready to match. Good luck and have fun.

MS
Which brand & model you think is best for altissmo notes (both alto & tenor)? For me is Java. Any else, please suggest - Cane Reed only.

MS · 06-10-2003, 02:19 PM

Tears June
It is hard for me to suggest a specific brand of reed for you. It will depend on your mouothpiece and what you've gotten used to while learning to play. As I switch brands of reeds, I find that sometimes I have to play slightly different.

Currently I'm using Zonda reeds on round chambered mps (alto, tenor) . I can also use Javas OK. Probably the first 1/8 inch or the tip seems to make some difference in both color of sound and how the altissimo works.

I suspect it has much to do with the quality of cane, and it's flexing capability. I tend to use reeds that are a little stiffer at first, break them in and whittle on them to balance until I have the desired resistance and flexibility in color that I want. At one point, I learned to make reeds from scratch, but currently don't have that kind of time.

What reeds you choose to use may make a short term difference in altissimo response, however it's learning to voice and experience that will eventually determine your ability and facility in the altissimo register.