Palhetas de clarineta manufaturadas de um mesmo colmo de Arundo donax: um estudo sobre sua homogeneidade

Abstract

The clarinetist, as the central agent of their performance, continuously seeks reeds that efficiently meet their musical and technical demands. Although industrial reeds are subjected to rigorous quality control processes, variability in their performance persists as both a practical and artistic challenge. This paradox — between technical standardization and variability in sound response — motivated the present research, which aims to understand why reeds of the same brand, model, and numbering, from the same commercial batch, do not yield consistent results. Given the scarcity of information regarding the traceability of raw materials used in industrial reed production, this research focused on analyzing the homogeneity of reeds artisanal manufactured from the same Arundo donax culm, adopting a feasible experimental design. The primary objective was to investigate the homogeneity index of reeds produced from the same Arundo donax cane and evaluated by the same clarinetist, considering their performance across different technical parameters and sound registers of the clarinet. The research began with a comprehensive literature review, which addressed physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the reed’s anatomical structure, as well as methodologies for selection, preparation, and storage of plant-based raw materials. Techniques for reed manufacturing and adjustment were also examined, based on reference authors in the field. Adopting a qualitative and quantitative approach, the study employed an experiment centered on reed manufacturing as its methodology, in which the researcher played a multifaceted role, executing all stages of manufacturing and evaluation of the reeds. Each unit was evaluated through a structured form, developed based on five parameters: resistance, vibration, emission, articulation, and sonority, considering the four previously established clarinet registers. The collected data were subjected to statistical analyses, enabling the formulation of homogeneity indicators for each reed, culm, and plantation, as well as the identification of patterns and deviations. Initially, the manufacturing of 96 reeds from two distinct Arundo donax plantations was planned. However, five samples were damaged during the process, resulting in 91 specimens that completed all manufacturing stages and were evaluated. The results indicated a moderate homogeneity index among the analyzed reeds, based on a classification into four different levels (low, medium, moderate, and high). This classification provides the clarinetist-craftsman with objective tools to evaluate the cost-benefit of manufacturing reeds from culms that demonstrate lower homogeneity propensity, optimizing time and resources in the artisanal process. Additionally, the research contributes to the refinement of reed manufacturing practices, proposing more effective criteria for raw material selection. Finally, it encourages the systematic inclusion of teaching reed manufacturing and adjustment techniques in the curricula of courses aimed at training clarinetists, promoting autonomy and technical-artistic deepening.