My reed gradings:

Sunday September 02 2007

Continuing on the previous post about mediocre results from Jillian, I think I should post this for all of you who are thinking of placing an order. I will definitely be posting this on my website when I get it up and running. I just got back from Mr. Weber’s and we discussed how he grades reeds and he said this:

• Student Reeds×A reed that just vibrates a lot. It doesn’t have to sound good. It doesn’t even have to play stable. But it just needs to vibrate. A lot. “The student is beginning, and wouldn’t know much more than how to get a sound out of it anyways. Just get enough sound so that the band director can hear them!” said Mr. Weber. Price: $10.
• Intermediate Reeds - A reed that vibrates a lot, and is stable from top to bottom. They don’t have to have great tone, but acceptable tone for a developing embouchure. “Make a reed that a student can play from top to bottom with a good embouchure, and they can build their embouchure to sound better and better.” Price: $15
• Pro Reed×A reed that functions in all ways that any pro would want. Tone is good. Stability and response is good. Everything is there. Price: $18

All of them should work, and be received undamaged. And none of them should leak! But I’m really starting to wonder if it is possible to make a reed that will not leak anywhere in the world.

These are not current prices, but will be. And naturally, I will guarantee all of my reeds, to a reasonable extent. So for those who are ordering for me currently, don’t worry.