A demonstration of how to make clarinet reeds, as taught to his students in Vienna in 1954 by Leopold Wlach.
FAQ
Q: Isn't it presumptuous for a foreigner, not currently living in Vienna, to claim mastery of this subject?
A: Yes, it would be! But this video is only a reenactment of the steps taught to his students in 1954 by Leopold Wlach. There is no claim to any further expertise.
Q: Isn't this a terribly difficult way to make clarinet reeds?
A: It takes practice. But compared to making oboe or bassoon reeds it is simplicity itself!
Q: Can't you just buy perfectly good reeds?
A: Yes. But this way offers more control; it takes less time in the long run because you don't test and test, then throw out, as many reeds; you throw out disappointing tubes - and it's cheap!
Q: What is the total elapsed time of the steps - without the titles - in this demonstration?
A: About fourteen and a half minutes total. The blank alone was three minutes.
Q: Wouldn't more precise and mechanized tools be better?
A: Very good work can be done with additional tools and machines, but this is just as fast, and much more satisfying for many. If you learn to make them yourself - no matter what method you use - you probably will never buy another reed!
Q: Is there more information about this reedmaker?
A: Yes, here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William...
Q: Can we find more information about the processes shown here?
A: Yes, a commentary pertaining to this video and going into more detail can be found here:
faculty.washington.edu/wmccoll...