Reeds & mouthpieces types
There are many types of clarinet and saxophone mouthpieces. The various parts: facings, tip openings, chambers, baffles, and bore, vary greatly. Unlike the clarinet, the saxophone has only one key system, but sound concepts are endless in regard to music style, such as classical, jazz, fusion, etc. A saxophonist should choose the strength and cut of reed carefully, according to the appropriate mouthpiece parameters, facing and chamber type, and the playing style (music style and individual style of playing).
The two key systems for clarinet are the French (Boehm) and the German systems. There are also many different standards of bore size. Clarinet mouthpiece types are selected according to the bore of the instrument and the desired playing tradition. It is generally recommended for clarinetists to use reed cuts which specifically match the mouthpiece type. The three most well-known clarinet mouthpiece facing types and clarinet reed cuts are: the Boehm (French), German, and Viennese/Austrian. Combining the various facings and reed cuts within these three general types (Boehm, German, and Viennese) is possible, but avoid mixing these three types of mouthpieces and reed cuts. There is one exception: the combination of an American facing and a soft Austrian reed is sometimes possible. The endless combinations of clarinet mouthpieces and reed types give players infinite possibilities to create a plethora of sounds and colors, in addition to helping players discover their own unique style of playing and sound.
It is generally known that a more open mouthpiece tip requires a “softer” (lighter) reed; a closed tip requires a “harder” read. For mouthpiece facing lengths, shorter facings require a “softer” (lighter) reed; longer facings require a “harder” reed.
In the case where the mouthpiece facing details are unknown, one must try different reed strengths and /or cuts to determine which reed fits best to that particular mouthpiece facing. In order to determine whether the connection is good between them, trust your inner ear and pay close attention to the sound produced. The strength of Fedotov Reeds is comparable to those of the most popular companies. To select the correct reed strength, refer to the Reed Strength Comparison Chart.
Thanks to the excellent precision of reed manufacturing and the superior quality of cane, Fedotov Reeds is able to offer more incremental strength gradations, in addition to a broader range in reed strengths and a greater selection than other reputable companies. For the clarinet, Fedotov Reed strength gradations 3,5+ and 3,5++ are available, which range between the normal 3,5 and 4 strengths. For the alto saxophone, Fedotov Reed number 3+ has a strength gradation between the normal 3 and 3,5.
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