The ClarinetPages Forum

I had questions - sent an email and got a phone call back from Erez Katz of the husband/wife team of Erez and Beth Katz. We had a pleasant and informative conversation, and he was most grateful for my feedback. They just started producing early this year. Give 'em a chance, and talk to them about postage if you have a concern. No need to speculate or complain.

PS. I also got a tenor sax reed 2.25. Not fully evaluated yet. But I can say the hardness grade is also consistent with typical cane or Legere reeds.

EasyReeds makes synthetic reeds using linear-oriented (fiber-like) 3D printing. I ordered a Bb clarinet reed in 1.5 grade to suit my physical need for low blowing pressure. I'm thrilled by it! It blows super-easy like a reed that's too soft – But it's not. I get full tonal depth, dynamics and control – bottom to top!

Every time I pick it up, I'm re-surprised!

I use Legere reeds on sax and alto cl. but I have not been able to find a synthetic Bb cl. reed that's pleasing (not since Fibracell turned bad around 2010). I'm super-happy about this.

Please, somebody try these and report back.

$18 from  https://easyreeds.com

I used to get painful ear pressure when landing on plane travels. I clear my eustachian tubes or preven blockage, by taking Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) nasal decongestant. I get the pure version without added antihistamine. It has helped me consistently for decades by taking it an hour or a few hours before the plane lands. Maybe this would help you, Larry.

Anyone wish to continue and update this topic? The only synthetics I liked for Bb cl. were Fibracell 1.5, but their quality dropped to where I will never buy one again. I love Legere reeds for alto cl. and sax, but they don't make a Bb reed soft enough for me (I'd also like something soft to supply to students).

I would happily go back to Fiberreed, but with so many versions etc., I request advice, which is why I'm re-opening this topic. Thanks

Any news about Zheng Hao delivery times to US will be most welcome.

I agree. I use a one-piece case similar to this one on eBay, listed as: Paititi New One Piece Bb Clarinet Lightweight Case

I take the horn apart when I get home, to dry. Or, a case with a foam interior can often be modified. I've used a ball-peen hammer to compress the foam, to create more space.

and the 3D pioneering work of Jared De Leone https://jdwoodwind.com

What a wonderful instrument! I see it at https://www.kunath.com/en/Sigo-tenor-recorder-baroque-double-hole-442-Hz-Resona-black/5405-072

3D printing opens up new possibilities for wind instruments beyond our dreams. Another example: https://iamsound.one

Share the joy, Larry

Blessings to you Larry!  I am an 18-year survivor of ongoing metastatic prostate cancer, still going strong.

Interesting piece! Mechanism is "full Boehm" - or some variant, and the body looks like hard rubber. These indicate relatively early 20th century.

Most of the reader-action on this group is in the main page at https://clarinetpages.info/smf/index.php?board=3.0  If you post your inquiry there, you will probably get some detailed answers.

Dave - Zheng Hao does have good stuff. I use their synth. and various other pads. I stocked up well bc they are so inexpensive. Good tools too, as they appear to be a source to some of the US suppliers.  A few years ago, deliveries were very slow. Are they up to a normal delivery time now?

You have a pointed pivot screw fitting into a conical hole. Swaging would be used for hollow tubes that have rods thru them, not for a conical pivot hole.  But I like your idea using solder. I would consider electronic solder which is very soft, so the pointed screw can press into it. It would easy to drip in using a soldering iron. It will not stick to cold metal, but it will form to the shape. If it doesn't work, just pick it out or adjust. 

One of the Stephen Howard books suggests balling up teflon tape and packing it in tight.  I have used fine steel wool with grease, stuffed in tight. It worked very well. In either case, press in as much as you can until it's too much and restricts the motion. Then pick some of it out and insert the screw again until it feels perfect. I think these are all good solutions.

I imagine this would work only with very soft solder. What did you melt in?

My net worth is has ascended to altissimo