Correlation between clarinet reed playability and microscopic surface texture with tip structure

Abstract

This study is to clarify the relationship between the surface and internal structure of reeds and their playability. We measured the degree of surface roughness at the contact point between the mouthpiece and a reed rated for high playability (G) and one rated for low playability (B) and examined the tissue structure of the reed tip and distribution of vascular bundles in the vibrating section using a metallurgical microscope. The results indicate that, although the sample size is limited, reeds with high playability have fewer irregularities on the contact surface with the mouthpiece, a uniform surface structure at the tip, and larger vascular bundle sheaths. This suggests that differences in the irregularities of the contact surface with the mouthpiece may affect playability. The results also suggest that reeds with high playability may have a uniform distribution of vascular bundles within the scope of the present sample.