Tom, I'm trying to find the video for a student where you discuss how to determine how much mouthpiece to insert, but I can't find it. Can you help me? Also, your latest video regarding reed warpage confirms what 50 years of clarinet playing has taught me, but that I have constant "fights" about with other players. You've helped me do a little more myth busting.

Happy Holidays Tom. Can you believe this Copenhagen crap? This meeting is ridiculous and should not even be an issue disputed by the UN.

Tom, I've had your ATG system for a while and I'm getting better and better at it. However now I'm starting to learn other aspects of the reed, like besides the basic balancing ideas, what each part of the reed determines regarding to sound, feel, etc.

I wish you have another book describing more in-depth these concepts, because, you know, different people have different ideas of clarinet sound, and just a balanced reed may not produce the sound one desires. As I work on the reed I'm getting some ideas from experimenting here and there, but a guide from an expert like you would make the process much less painful :)

By the way I really appreciate the ATG system and the thumb rest. They've helped a lot.

Dear Jerimiahbaker2 I've tried not to put commercial things up on the youtube site. You can hear me demonstrating the clarinet by clicking on links at the bottom of this page:
http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/Bbclarpg.html

Dear tmix01 "If it's not coming easily, you're probably doing something wrong." Bingo. Sounds like your dad and my dad share something in common: they weren't the idiots we thought they were.

dear Joreeds1, using ligatures rather than holding the reed on with your thumb makes clarinet playing a lot easier.

Dear Cornodebassetto, English playing has changed, and the tone has gotten more focused, but they still don't concentrate the sound as much as American or French players. That's not criticism, because the lyrical quality that results has a lot of appeal. It's just a description. The increased focus is probably due to English players becoming more aware of other styles in combination with playing smaller bore clarinets than don't have the upper clarion sharpness of the B&H 1010 style clarinets. Not trying to be critical, just descriptive.

Dear oshoo11, it sounds like you have a combination of three issues: the pads are too close to the tone hole and need to be adjusted, your reeds are unbalanced (or mouthpiece is poorly faced), you are biting and taking too much lower lip in,...or there could be something in the tone holes, probably due to swab debris.

Tom -- I just got your ATG system three days ago. Within an hour and a half, I read the book. Then I watched the DVD. Then I began working on reeds quickly and confidently and got amazing results. For so many years, i played bad reeds thinking it would make me stronger for when I would get a good reed. Instead, I just played poorly and was biting way too hard. I forgot what my dad said (in relation to other things), "If it's not coming easily, you're probably doing something wrong."

I just bought one of your clarinets for my grandson. Would you do a you tube piece on how you best take advantage of the left thumb placement with regard to your register key? Also, would you do a segment on both hands? I developed issues in my right arm from holding the instrument. I have done a lot of physical therapy and now use a Ton Kooiman thumb rest and a strap. All of these have helped greatly. Still I'm interested in anything you have to say on the subject. Thanks!

Could you demeonstrate your pro ridneur Bb clarinet in a video more deeply
I really am looking into buying one but i need to know for sure it is as good as you say it is cause it sounds like it could be my final clarinet and i really need to know not to say i donèt beleive you, i do but i would be greatful for a demenstattion :)