How to break reeds in: DON'T DO IT! 

Curious about what clarinets Tom was using? 1:08- 1:29 , Lyrique 576bc Bb Clarinet www.rclarinetproducts.com/lyrique576clarinet 1:30-3:17 , Lyrique 575A A Clarinet www.rclarinetproducts.com/lyrique-575-a-clarinet *Pictures of the new silver plated A clarinet will be posted shortly

You sound great! I wish you post more videos of you playing!

Considering how much reeds can change during the early stages of break-in, I would not do any adjustment during the early break-in period unless absolutely necessary, because the reed is seriously unbalanced or very hard. You will only be playing a few minutes at a time in the early stages, so I don't see much risk of adversely affecting your embouchure. If reed is a little unbalanced side to side, just move the reed off to one or the other side until the reed starts becoming more stable, and then you can start adjusting the reed more.

Your description of the breakdown process was spot on. I'll be trying to balance from now on.

Sounded great, Tom! It was so pingy and even in response....gorgeous!

Your noodling is awesome Tom give us more!!🙏🏻

Thank you very much for your advice shared with us and based on years and years of experience.

Spot on. I've noticed that when I start obsessing on breaking in reeds methodically, they perform worse than when I address specific issues as they come up.. as in unbalanced rails, tips, what you said. Also I would note that adjusting reeds in a space that has different acoustic qualities than the performance space can cause interesting results. Reeds feeling differently than desired.. I would be curious to hear your thoughts on that.

My God ! The sound !!!❤

Dear Mr. Ridenour- thank you so much for all your videos. I play a Leblanc, Infinité, purchase new in 1995. I have buffets, series 9 selmers and others... however the Infinité is my all time favorite. (which I just finished overhauling) I use your rebalancing technique & the results have been amazing. The ease and sound is wonderful. Why didn’t I learn this many years ago? Here’s my main question, when do I throw out a reed? Your system works so well that, when a reed becomes too soft door seems tired, I can clip a very fine sliver from the tip and rebalance it. While it plays pretty well, it does not seem to match its first rebalancing… but still plays for practice. I’m a baby boomer and don’t waste much… so I’m just having difficulty throwing them out. Can you give me your opinion please? When do you chuck a “playable” reed? this may sound like a stupid question but I’m struggling with it. Again thank you so much for your educational series as well as your fine craftsmanship, musicianship and advice. All the best! - Rex PS- I play V 12s and just purchased a box of blue box 56s to try are French cut(?) Some of them work OK others I clip to match my mouthpiece curve and then balance. Results vary Thanks again

Nice Reger!

how hard do need to blow to get a sound!

I found a way to make tough to play reeds play, with No sanding or scraping! Want to know more?

Great. Have you tried my ”system”? Its the top video om my page. I need to make another to go in to details but i can say the flicking is very light and i target the same areas as you do with filing. Anyway. Have a nice day sir! Love your videos!

Thanks!

Okay....where's the part about HOW TO DO THE BALANCING OF THE REED???????

Talk to us about why all commercial reeds are heavy on the left side. I'm told that this is because we support the clarinet with the right hand. But this makes no sense to me as an unbalanced reed is mechanically inefficient and you have to fight it.

Ah ha, where did the reverb suddenly come from ?? 🤔🤔

I got from this video that you have to balance your reed if you feel that it's unbalanced. Fair enough. What do you think about the idea that the reed will serve you longer if you gradually introduce it to vibration and moisture every day? Does it make sense or is it an urban legend?

I purchased your system but the DVD didn't work. I have had some success but need some instruction. Do you have a video online that explains the whole system?

Soaking reeds, flattening the bottom, rubbing dirt into the vamp, clamping on glass, flicking with a finger, strict humidity control, and on and on. NAH!

He goes on too long instead of getting to the point. YAWN.