[BellTones]

Thanks for all the responses to my original query. I was, in fact, wondering about the small bore vs. large bore notion and I find those replies that mentioned it to be most interesting. So far as setups go, I've been considering the Lakey 5* mpc for some time, so I've now decided to give it a try (I'm presently using the 6*3 on alto sax)...KM

 

[BellTones]

I placed an order at WWBW which claims they are in stock. We'll see how long the wait until shipment...

 

[BellTones]

Just to follow up on this thread, the Lakey 5*1 arrived four days after my order with WWBW(!) but the 1.5 and 2 Fibracell Premier reeds took nearly 10 days (from fibracelldirect.com). I use fibracell exclusively with sax but have not liked them with clarinet -- until now. I'm getting an nice big sound, easy to tone down for softer passages, in the chalumeau and clarion registers. But the altissimo is very weak and extremely flat overall. I'm thinking that I need to progress to a stiffer reed to overcome this. Any thoughts about that?

KM

Thanks for all the responses to my original query. I was, in fact, wondering about the small bore vs. large bore notion and I find those replies that mentioned it to be most interesting. So far as setups go, I've been considering the Lakey 5* mpc for some time, so I've now decided to give it a try (I'm presently using the 6*3 on alto sax)...KM

 

[BellTones]

This thread began in the context of Dixieland music, which has written charts plus lots of improv opportunities. The highest written note I've yet seen is the D above the staff. That seems to be the intonation break point with the Lakey 5*1/fibracell 1.5 or 2; above there the problem begins. I sometimes have gone up to G or A for soloing but not all that often and I would have a problem with it with this setup.

I've now tried this on two clarinets: the vintage R13 I previously mentioned and now also a Ridenour Lyrique. The same problem occurs with both instruments. But the other registers are just great -- even the throat tones are strong and resonant. (My impression is that the Ridenour produces the better sound with this setup.)

So I'm still wondering what is going on here...

KM

I don't know what to say about the altissimo notes being flat. That isn't the case for me, but I don't usually play that high (on clarinet or soprano sax). When I do, I struggle with them but can hit 'em in pitch. I suppose a harder reed may help, but my Lakey 5* with 1 1/2 strength Fibracells is SO rich and resonant everywhere else that I don't think I'd give that up to hit a few notes up there. Of course, I am not reading charts and I only improvise, so I can choose where to go on the thing. DAVE

 

[BellTones]

I have also tried a couple of 2.5 fibracells that I have had for some time. However, no matter what mpc I use, they sound terrible, like they want to produce a bunch of wierd multiphonics. They also feel extremely stiff, more like 3.5 or 4 strength, much too hard for me with this mpc. Maybe they are just bad reeds??

Fibracell doesn't recommend "adjusting" (e.g., scraping or sanding) their reeds. Has anyone done this successfully?

KM

Stiffer reeds should help, but don't jump there all at once, or you're liable to end up with a nasty biting habit. Just be patient, practice your long tones, and step up when you can.
Oh, and when you go up in the range, think about tightening the corners of your mouth to help you hit the high notes in tune. Remember, though, not to let your air support slip.