Reed for reeds and reeds

Abstract

To provide a reed capable of generating a tone different from that of a natural reed with a blowing feeling close to that of the natural reed.SOLUTION: The reed for a pair of reeds is a sounding body used by being attached to a mouthpiece 90 with a ligature 80 in a single-reed instrument M such as a clarinet or a saxophone included in a pair of reeds. The screwdriver lead comprises a lead body 101. The reed main body 101 is a component that is attached to the mouthpiece 90 and constitutes a mouthpiece that the player holds in the mouth and blows into, and has an attachment part 102 that is attached to the mouthpiece 90 and a vamp part 105 that vibrates due to the player's breath. On the surface of the vamp portion 105, a groove portion 110 including a plurality of grooves radially extending in the longitudinal direction is formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a reed for a reeded instrument and to a reeded instrument. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, reeded instruments such as clarinets, saxophones, bassoons, and oboes use reeds as sound sources that vibrate when the player blows air into them. As shown in Patent Document 1 below, for example, the reed is formed as a long, plate-like shape and has a vamp that gradually becomes thinner from one end in the longitudinal direction to the other end that the player holds in their mouth. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-62310

[0004] Such reeds are primarily made from natural materials such as reed or sugarcane, with the fibers extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the reed (hereinafter referred to as a "natural reed"). Patent Document 1 discloses a reed (hereinafter referred to as a "first reed") in which multiple grooves extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vamp are formed to achieve a tone similar to that of a natural reed and a playing feel similar to that of a natural reed. Patent Document 1 also discloses a reed (hereinafter referred to as a "second reed") in which multiple grooves extending parallel to the width of the vamp are formed to produce a tone different from that of a natural reed.

[0005] However, the first reed in Patent Document 1 has parallel grooves that run in the same direction (longitudinal direction) as the fibers of a natural reed, which allows for a playing feel similar to that of a natural reed, but it has the problem of not being able to produce a tone color different from that of a natural reed.Furthermore, the second reed in Patent Document 1 can produce a tone color different from that of a natural reed, but it has the problem of not being able to produce a playing feel similar to that of a natural reed.

[0006] The present invention has been made to address the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a reed that has a playing feel similar to that of a natural reed and can produce a tone color different from that of a natural reed.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized in that it is a reed that vibrates when the player blows into it to form a sound-producing body for a reeded instrument, and has a reed body made up of a long, plate-like body, and the reed body has a vamp portion whose thickness changes from one end side to the other end side in the longitudinal direction, and a groove portion consisting of a plurality of grooves on the back side of the vamp portion that comes into contact with the player's lips or on the surface opposite the back side, and the groove portion is formed to extend radially from each of the opposite sides toward the one end side or the other end side.

[0008] According to the features of the present invention configured as described above, the reeded instrument reed has grooves formed on the reed body that extend radially from either one end or the other end of the reed body toward the opposite ends. In other words, the reeded instrument reed has grooves that extend in the same direction (longitudinal direction) as the fibers of a natural reed, and according to sensory tests conducted by the inventors, the reeded instrument reed provides a playing feel similar to that of a natural reed.

[0009] Here, the "feel for playing" refers to the various sensations that can be obtained from the reed when playing, such as the behavior of the reed, such as vibration or temporary deformation of the reed in response to the breath blown into it by the player, the resistance felt when blowing into the reed, or the feel of the reed touching the player's lips or tongue.

[0010] Furthermore, since reeds for reeded instruments have grooves that extend radially, sensory tests conducted by the inventors have shown that they produce a tone color that is different from the tone color of natural reeds.

[0011] Furthermore, reeds for reeded instruments can have a variety of configurations (e.g., shapes or numbers) of radial grooves extending from opposite ends of the reed body toward one end or the other, and can also have a variety of blowing techniques for these grooves, thereby increasing the number of ways for the player to produce the tone they desire and making it easier for the player to add expressive power to the tone, along with or apart from the blowing comfort.

[0012] Another feature of the present invention is that in the reed for a reeded instrument, the grooves are formed discontinuously toward one end or the other end.

[0013] According to the features of the present invention configured as described above, the reed for a reeded instrument has grooves formed intermittently toward one end or the other end, and according to sensory tests conducted by the inventors, it is possible to obtain a tone color different from that of a natural reed.

[0014] Another feature of the present invention is that in the reed for a reeded instrument, the grooves are formed so that at least some of the grooves intersect with each other.

[0015] According to the features of the present invention configured in this way, the reed for a reeded instrument has a plurality of grooves, at least some of which are formed to intersect with each other, and thus, according to the inventor's sensory tests, it is possible to obtain a tone color different from that of a natural reed.

[0016] Another feature of the present invention is that in the reed for a reeded instrument, the vamp portion has a recessed portion consisting of a bottomed hole on the front or back surface.

[0017] According to the features of the present invention configured as described above, the vamp of the reed for a reeded instrument has a recessed portion consisting of a hole with a bottom on the front or back surface, and according to the inventor's sensory tests, it is possible to obtain a tone color different from that of a natural reed. Furthermore, the thickness or shape of the vamp of the reed for a reeded instrument can be precisely shaped by changing the size, shape, depth, or position of the recessed portion, thereby allowing the vibration characteristics of the vamp to be precisely adjusted.

[0018] Another feature of the present invention is that in the reed for a reeded instrument, the vamp portion has a central protrusion that protrudes convexly from the center of the width of the back surface.

[0019] According to the features of the present invention configured as described above, the reeded instrument reed is thickened at the center widthwise portion on the backside of the vamp, providing a widthwise rigidity different from that of a natural reed. This allows the reeded instrument reed to impart widthwise vibration characteristics to the vamp different from that of a natural reed, and according to sensory tests conducted by the inventors, it is possible to obtain a tone color different from that of a natural reed. Furthermore, because the reeded instrument reed is thickened at the center widthwise portion on the backside of the vamp when the player holds the reed in their mouth, the central protrusion comes into contact with their lips or tongue, allowing the player to recognize the position of the widthwise center of the reed, making it easier to adjust the position of the reed.

[0020] Another feature of the present invention is that in the reed for a reeded instrument, the vamp portion has two recessed portions that are concave on both sides of the central protrusion in the width direction, and two end protrusions that protrude convexly on the outer sides of the recessed portions in the width direction.

[0021] According to the features of the present invention configured as described above, the reeded instrument reed has a thicker thickness at the center and both ends of the width direction on the back surface of the vamp, and a thinner thickness at the portions between the center and both ends of the vamp, giving the reeded instrument reed a different width direction rigidity than a natural reed. As a result, the vamp of the reeded instrument can be given width direction vibration characteristics different from those of a natural reed, and according to sensory tests conducted by the inventors, it can produce a different tone color from that of a natural reed.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention can be embodied not only as an invention of a reed for a reeded instrument, but also as an invention of a reeded instrument.

[0023] Specifically, a reeded instrument is a reeded instrument equipped with a sound-producing body that vibrates when the player blows air into it, and the sound-producing body is composed of a reeded instrument reed as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

[0024] According to the features of the present invention configured in this way, the reeded instrument can be expected to have the same effects as the reeded instrument reed invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the overall structure of a reed for a reeded instrument according to the present invention, attached to a mouthpiece. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a bottom view showing the outline of the external configuration of the mouthpiece shown in FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 3] 2A is a left side view showing the outline of the external configuration of the reed for a reeded instrument shown in FIG. 1 from the left side, and FIG. 2B is a plan view showing the outline of the external configuration of the reed for a reeded instrument shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the internal structure of a reed for a reeded instrument, taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] 3B is a partially enlarged view showing the external configuration of the reed for a reeded instrument. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a partially enlarged view showing an external configuration of a modified example of the reed for a reeded instrument shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a partially enlarged view showing an external configuration of a modified example of the reed for a reeded instrument shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 8] 4 is a partially enlarged view showing an external configuration of a modified example of the reed for a reeded instrument shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 9] 4(A) and 4(B) are partially enlarged views showing the external configuration of a modified example of the reed for a reeded instrument shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 10] 4 is a partially enlarged view showing an external configuration of a modified example of the reed for a reeded instrument shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 11] 4(A) and 4(B) are partially enlarged views showing the external configuration of a modified example of the reed for a reeded instrument shown in FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of a reed for a reeded instrument (hereinafter simply referred to as a "reed") according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the overall configuration of a reed 100 according to the present invention attached to a mouthpiece 90. FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the outline of the external configuration of the mouthpiece 90 shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the depth direction of the mouthpiece 90 to which the reed 100 is attached is defined as the front-rear direction, the width direction of the mouthpiece 90 perpendicular to this front-rear direction is defined as the left-right direction, and the directions perpendicular to these front-rear and left-right directions are defined as the up-down direction. Furthermore, in the schematic diagrams referred to in this specification, some components may be exaggerated to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and therefore the dimensions and ratios of the components may differ.

[0027] This reed 100 is a sound-producing body that is attached to a mouthpiece 90 by a ligature 80 in a single-reed instrument M, such as a clarinet or saxophone, which are included in reeded instruments. Before describing the reed 100, we will first briefly explain the well-known mouthpiece 90 to which this reed 100 is attached.

[0028] The mouthpiece 90 is a component of the single-reed instrument M that the player holds in their mouth and blows into, and is formed in a long, cylindrical shape. Specifically, the mouthpiece 90 is configured such that one end is formed flat in the left-right direction to correspond to the shape of the player's mouth, and the other end is formed in a cylindrical shape to correspond to the connection portion of the single-reed instrument M. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the bottom surface of the mouthpiece 90 is formed with a table 91 that is formed with a flat, downward sloping surface from the one end toward the other end, and a window 92 that is approximately rectangular in bottom view is opened in the one end side of this table 91.

[0029] In this case, the width of the table 91 and the window 92 is formed to increase continuously from the other end toward the one end. The table 91 and the window 92 are the portions of the mouthpiece 90 where the reed 100 is placed.

[0030] (Lead 100 configuration) As shown in FIG. 3A, the reed 100 includes a reed body 101. The reed body 101 is attached to the mouthpiece 90 and forms the mouthpiece through which the player holds the reed and blows air. It is made of a long, thin plate of resin. In this embodiment, the reed body 101 is approximately 67.4 mm long, approximately 12 to 13.3 mm wide, and approximately 0.15 to 2.9 mm thick. The reed body 101 has an attachment portion 102 that forms one end (left side in the figure) in the longitudinal direction (hereinafter referred to as the "reed rear end"), and a vamp portion 105 that forms the other end (right side in the figure) opposite the one end (hereinafter referred to as the "reed front end").

[0031] The attachment portion 102 is a portion for attaching the reed 100 to the mouthpiece 90, and constitutes the rear half of the reed body 101 in the figure. In this embodiment, the attachment portion 102 is formed in a portion approximately 33.4 mm from the rear end of the reed. The attachment portion 102 has an upper surface (hereinafter referred to as the "front surface") that is a flat surface extending horizontally, and a lower surface (hereinafter referred to as the "rear surface") that is the reverse side of the upper surface and has a convex curved surface that gently juts out downward in the width direction.

[0032] That is, the attachment portion 102 is formed so that its thickness decreases from the center in the width direction toward both sides in the width direction, and is formed so that its thickness is constant along the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction). In this embodiment, the thickness of the center in the width direction of the attachment portion 102 is approximately 2.9 mm. The width of the attachment portion 102 is formed to be shorter than the width of the mouthpiece 90, but as shown in FIG. 3(B), it is formed to be slightly wider from the rear end of the reed toward the front end of the reed. In this embodiment, the width of the attachment portion 102 is approximately 12 mm at the rear end and approximately 12.7 mm at the front end. Furthermore, each side surface at both ends in the width direction of the attachment portion 102 is formed by a surface perpendicular to the surface, and extends in a strip shape along the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction).

[0033] The vamp 105 is a portion that flexes or vibrates when the player blows air into it, and is formed continuously from the front end of the attachment portion 102, constituting the front half of the reed body 101 in the figure. In this embodiment, the vamp 105 is formed approximately 34 mm from the front end of the reed. This vamp 105 is formed so that its width increases and its thickness decreases from the front end of the attachment portion 102 toward the front end of the reed.

[0034] Specifically, the width of the vamp portion 105 is shorter than the width of the mouthpiece 90 and longer than the width of the window 92, and is formed to gradually widen from the rear end of the reed toward the front end of the reed in accordance with the shapes of the table 91 and window 92 in the mouthpiece 90. This allows the vamp portion 105 to cover the entire window 92 when the reed body 101 is attached to the table 91. In this embodiment, the width of the vamp portion 105 at the rear end is approximately 12.7 mm, and the width of the front end (front end of the reed) is approximately 13.3 mm.

[0035] 3(A), the thickness of the vamp portion 105 in the longitudinal direction is such that the upper surface (hereinafter referred to as the "front surface") is a horizontally extending plane, while the lower surface (hereinafter referred to as the "back surface"), which is the reverse side of the front surface, is a gradually inclined surface that slopes toward the front surface, and the thickness is formed thinner from the attachment portion 102 side toward the front end of the lead. In this case, the back surface of the vamp portion 105 is formed as a curved surface that slopes gently toward the front surface from the front end of the attachment portion 102, which has a convex arc-shaped cross section, toward the front end of the lead, and curves concavely toward the front surface. In this embodiment, the thickness of the front end of the lead (front end of the vamp portion 105) is formed to be approximately 0.15 mm.

[0036] On the other hand, the width of the vamp 105 is formed in a convex arc shape at the rear surface of the portion connected to the mounting portion 102, the same as the convex arc shape of the mounting portion 102, and is formed so that the arc shape gradually changes to a flat surface shape toward the front end of the lead. A central protrusion 106 is formed on the rear surface of the vamp 105.

[0037] 4, the central protrusion 106 is a portion for changing the thickness of the vamp portion 105 to change the rigidity and vibration characteristics of the vamp portion 105, and is formed to protrude convexly in the center of the width direction of the vamp portion 105. The width length, protrusion amount from the back surface, cross-sectional shape, shape in a plan view, position and number of the central protrusion 106 can be arbitrarily set according to the desired rigidity and vibration characteristics of the vamp portion 105.

[0038] In this embodiment, the central protrusion 106 has a cross-sectional shape formed in an arc that protrudes downward in the figure, and is gradually narrowed in width from the front end of the mounting portion 102 toward the lead front end, and the amount of protrusion from the back surface gradually decreases until it disappears before reaching the lead front end. As a result, the vamp 105 is formed as a flat surface in front of the central protrusion 106. In this embodiment, the length of the central protrusion 106 is formed to be approximately two-thirds the length of the vamp 105. Recesses 107 are formed on both sides of the central protrusion 106 in the width direction.

[0039] The recesses 107 are portions for changing the thickness of the vamp 105 to change the rigidity and vibration characteristics of the vamp 105, and are formed as recesses at symmetrical positions on both sides of the central protrusion 106 in the width direction. The width, depth, cross-sectional shape, shape in a plan view, position, and number of these recesses 107 can be arbitrarily set according to the desired rigidity and vibration characteristics of the vamp 105.

[0040] In this embodiment, the recessed portion 107 is a long, elliptical recess in a plan view extending in the longitudinal direction of the vamp portion 105, and has an arc-shaped cross section that is recessed upward (toward the surface) in the figure. In this case, the recessed portion 107 is formed to extend from approximately the same position as the end of the central protrusion 106 on the mounting portion 102 side toward the front end of the lead, a length approximately half the length of the central protrusion 106. The recessed portion 107 is also formed so that its depth gradually increases from both longitudinal ends toward the longitudinal center. As a result, the vamp portion 105 is formed with a flat surface in front of each of the left and right recessed portions 107, except for the central protrusion 106. End-side protrusions 108 are formed on the widthwise outer sides of these recessed portions 107.

[0041] The end-side protrusions 108 are portions for changing the thickness of the vamp portion 105 to change the rigidity and vibration characteristics of the vamp portion 105, and are formed to protrude convexly at both widthwise ends of the vamp portion 105. These end-side protrusions 108 can be formed by arbitrarily setting the width, protrusion amount from the back surface, cross-sectional shape, shape in a plan view, position, and number according to the desired rigidity and vibration characteristics of the vamp portion 105.

[0042] In this embodiment, the end-side protrusions 108 have a cross-sectional shape that is arcuate and protrudes downward in the drawing, and extend along the longitudinal direction of the vamp portion 105. In this case, the end-side protrusions 108 are formed to have approximately the same length as the recessed portions 107, and are formed so that the amount of protrusion from the back surface gradually decreases from the front end of the mounting portion 102 toward the longitudinal center of the vamp portion 105, and disappears before reaching the front end of the lead. In addition, the width of the end-side protrusions 108 is formed to be approximately constant in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the portions of the vamp portion 105 in front of the left and right end-side protrusions 108, except for the central protrusion 106, are formed flat.

[0043] That is, the back surface of the vamp portion 105 is formed with a central protrusion 106, recesses 107, and end-side protrusions 108 so that the back surface is wavy in the width direction and becomes thinner toward both end sides, while the thickness is constant in the width direction in front of the central protrusion 106. Meanwhile, grooves 110 are formed on the surface of the vamp portion 105.

[0044] The groove portion 110 is a portion for changing the thickness of the vamp portion 105 to change the rigidity and vibration characteristics of the vamp portion 105, and is formed by a plurality of recessed depressions extending radially in the longitudinal direction of the vamp portion 105. In this case, the cross-sectional shape, width, length, depth, groove shape in plan view, groove position, number of grooves, and angle of the center line of each groove relative to the center line L in the width direction of the vamp portion 105 can be arbitrarily set and formed according to the desired rigidity and vibration characteristics of the vamp portion 105.

[0045] In this embodiment, the groove 110 is made up of a plurality of grooves each having an arc-shaped cross section, and is formed to extend radially from the rear end of the lead (the front end of the attachment portion 102) toward the front end of the lead, as shown in Fig. 5. More specifically, the groove 110 is configured to include one first groove 111 formed in the center in the width direction, and six second grooves 112 each consisting of two second grooves 112a, 112b, and 112c.

[0046] Here, the first groove 111 has a cross-sectional shape that is an arc of a circle with a diameter of approximately 1.1 mm and a depth of approximately 0.45 mm, and is formed linearly with a constant width along the center line L of the widthwise center of the lead 100. Furthermore, each second groove 112 has a cross-sectional shape that is an arc of a circle with a diameter of approximately 1.2 mm and a depth of approximately 0.45 mm, and is formed linearly with a constant width and inclined at a predetermined angle on both sides of the widthwise direction of the vamp portion 105 with respect to the first groove 111 (i.e., the center line L). In other words, each second groove 112 is formed at a position that is shifted by a predetermined angle from the first groove 111, with a predetermined point (not shown) on the center line L as the center.

[0047] In this embodiment, the two second groove portions 112a adjacent to the first groove portion 111 are formed at positions offset by ±0.19° with respect to the first groove portion 111. The two second groove portions 112b adjacent to the second groove portion 112a are formed at positions offset by ±0.32° with respect to the first groove portion 111. The two second groove portions 112c adjacent to the second groove portion 112b are formed at positions offset by ±0.36° with respect to the first groove portion 111. That is, the second groove portions 112 are formed line-symmetrically on both sides of the vamp portion 105 in the width direction with respect to the first groove portion 111 (center line L), and are formed so that the offset angle increases as the groove (second groove portion 112c) becomes more distant from the first groove portion 111.

[0048] In addition, the first groove portion 111 and the second groove portion 112 are each positioned so that the ends on the front end side of the mounting portion 102 are aligned in the width direction, and the length of the second groove portion 112 is short so that the ends on the lead front end side are formed in an arc shape and are at approximately the same distance from the tip portion 115, which is the lead front end.

[0049] Tip portion 115 is a piece-like portion that forms the opening of the mouthpiece that the player holds in their mouth and blows air into. Tip portion 115 is formed in an arc shape that protrudes forward in the figure, and is composed of one first arc 115a and two second arcs 115b that connect to either side of first arc 115a.

[0050] The first arc 115a is an arc that extends gently in the width direction at the center of the tip 115. The second arc 115b is an arc that is formed on both end sides of the tip 115 in the width direction and has a smaller diameter than the first arc 115a.

[0051] (Lead 100 operation) Next, the operation of the reed 100 configured as described above will be explained. First, a user of the reed 100 prepares the ligature 80, the mouthpiece 90, and the reed 100. Next, the user secures the reed 100 to the mouthpiece 90 with the ligature 80, as shown in Figure 1. Specifically, the user passes the mouthpiece 90 through the ligature 80, then inserts the reed 100 between the mouthpiece 90 and the ligature 80 to place the reed 100 in a fixed position, and secures the reed 100 to the mouthpiece 90 with the fastener of the ligature 80.

[0052] In this case, the user places the surface of the attachment portion 102 on the table 91 so that the surface of the vamp 105 of the reed body 101 covers the window 92 of the mouthpiece 90. The user also positions the tip 115 of the reed body 101 slightly rearward in the illustration relative to the front end of the window 92 so that the front end of the window 92 is slightly open.

[0053] Next, the user connects the mouthpiece 90 with the reed 100 attached to the single-reed instrument M, putting the single-reed instrument M into a playable state, and then begins playing. In this case, the user (player) can obtain a playing feel similar to that of a natural reed because the reed 100 according to the present invention is attached to the mouthpiece 90, and can also obtain a tone color different from that of a natural reed.

[0054] The results of a sensory test conducted by the present inventor will now be described. The present inventor conducted an interview survey with 20 clarinet players to assess the differences in playing feel, such as the comfort or tone, of the reed 100 of the present invention compared to a conventional natural reed made of reed bamboo that does not incorporate the characteristics of the reed 100 of the present invention, a conventional first reed (resin reed) with multiple grooves parallel to the lengthwise direction, and a conventional second reed (resin reed) with multiple grooves parallel to the widthwise direction.

[0055] The inventors performed a survey by having the test subjects play the same piece on the same clarinet, replacing the natural reed, first reed, and second reed according to the prior art with the reed 100 according to the present invention under the same conditions (such as the attachment position, attachment direction, or tightness of the ligature 80), and then interviewed them about the playing feel of each reed.

[0056] As a result, 14 out of 20 subjects answered that they felt that the clarinet equipped with the reed 100 according to the present invention provided a playing feel that was equivalent to or similar to that of a clarinet equipped with a natural reed according to the prior art (so similar that it was indistinguishable between the natural reed and the reed 100). Specifically, the subjects answered that they obtained a playing feel that was almost the same as that of a natural reed in terms of the behavior of the reed, such as the vibration or temporary deformation of the reed in response to the breath blown into it, the responsiveness of the reed (in other words, the speed at which the reed's behavior begins to change), the ease of control of the tone (specifically, the type and number of tones that can be produced by changing the playing technique, such as the amount of breath blown, the direction of the breath blown, or the speed at which the breath is blown, and the ease of producing specific tones), and the sensations they received from the reed during playing, such as the resistance when blowing into it or the feeling of the reed touching the subject's lips or tongue, all of which were equivalent to or similar to that of a natural reed, and that they could play with a feeling that was almost the same as that of a natural reed according to the prior art.

[0057] Furthermore, 15 out of 20 subjects answered that they felt that the clarinet equipped with the reed 100 according to the present invention provided a playing feel equivalent to that of a clarinet equipped with the first reed according to the prior art (so similar that the first reed and the reed 100 were indistinguishable) or closer to that of a natural reed. In these cases, the subjects answered that they obtained a playing feel that was closer to that of a natural reed in terms of the behavior of the reed, the reed's responsiveness, the ease of controlling the tone, the resistance when blowing into the reed, and the feeling of the reed touching the subject's lips or tongue.

[0058] Furthermore, 17 out of 20 subjects answered that they felt that the clarinet equipped with the reed 100 according to the present invention provided a playing feel closer to that of a natural reed than the clarinet equipped with the second reed according to the prior art.

[0059] Regarding tone quality, 14 out of 20 subjects answered that they felt that the clarinet equipped with the reed 100 according to the present invention produced a tone quality different from that of either the natural reed or the first reed, compared to the clarinet equipped with the natural reed or the first reed according to the prior art. In this case, the subjects answered that they felt that the reed 100 according to the present invention produced a tone quality with more overtones (i.e., a richer tone quality) than the natural reed or the first reed.

[0060] Furthermore, 14 out of 20 subjects answered that they felt that the clarinet equipped with the reed 100 according to the present invention produced a tone that was different from that of a natural reed, just like the second reed according to the prior art.

[0061] On the other hand, when removing the reed 100 from the mouthpiece 90 depending on the performance situation (such as the type of single-reed instrument M, the piece being played, or the performance environment) or after finishing playing, the user performs the reverse procedure of the reed 100 attachment. That is, the user can remove the reed 100 from the mouthpiece 90 by undoing the fastener of the ligature 80 and then pulling out the reed 100 inserted between the ligature 80 and the mouthpiece 90. The user can also reuse the used reed 100 by washing and / or drying it.

[0062] As can be seen from the above description of operation, according to the above embodiment, the reed 100 has grooves 110 formed so that they extend radially from opposite ends toward one end or the other end of the reed body 101. Therefore, according to the sensory test by the inventor, the reed 100 provides a playing feel that is equal to or close to that of a natural reed, while also producing a sound that is different from that of a natural reed.

[0063] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the reed 100 can employ various forms (e.g., shapes or numbers) of the radial grooves 110 extending from opposite ends of the reed body 101 toward one end or the other end, and various variations in the way of blowing into these grooves 110 can also be employed, thereby increasing the means by which the player can produce the tone color they desire and making it easier for the player to add expressiveness to the tone color in addition to or apart from the blowing feel.

[0064] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of a reeded musical instrument reed according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 6. The reed 200 according to this second embodiment differs from the reed 100 according to the first embodiment in that it has intermittent grooves 110. Therefore, in describing this second embodiment, we will mainly focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and common parts will be designated by common reference numerals and their description will be omitted where appropriate.

[0065] (Lead 200 configuration) The lead 200 has a groove 210 that has a partial configuration in common with the groove 110 of the lead 100 according to the first embodiment. The groove 210 is configured to have one first groove 211 and six second grooves 212 that respectively correspond to the first groove 111 and the second groove 112 of the lead 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0066] The first groove portion 211 is composed of a plurality of small grooves formed intermittently at intervals along the center line L. Specifically, the first groove portion 211 is composed of a front small groove 211d formed on the front end side of the vamp portion 105, a medium small groove 211e formed in the longitudinal middle portion of the vamp portion 105, and a rear small groove 211f formed on the rear end side of the vamp portion 105. The front small groove 211d, the medium small groove 211e, and the rear small groove 211f are formed so that the intervals between adjacent grooves are the same.

[0067] The second groove portion 212 is composed of a plurality of small grooves formed intermittently at intervals along a straight line inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the first groove portion 211. Specifically, like the first groove portion 211, the second groove portion 212 is composed of three small grooves: a front small groove 212d, a medium small groove 212e, and a rear small groove 212f. The front small groove 212d, the medium small groove 212e, and the rear small groove 212f are formed with the same spacing between adjacent grooves. Three second groove portions 212 are formed on each side of the vamp portion 105 in the width direction, with the first groove portion 211 as the axis of symmetry. In this case, the second groove portions 212 are formed so that the angle between adjacent grooves is the same (0.34° in this embodiment). In the second groove portion 212, two groove portions extending discontinuously in the longitudinal direction of the vamp portion 105 adjacent to both widthwise ends of the vamp portion 105 are referred to as a front small groove 213d, a middle small groove 213e, and a rear small groove 213f.

[0068] In this embodiment, the groove portion 210 has small grooves that make up the first groove portion 211 and the second groove portion 212 formed so that grooved and non-grooved portions are not adjacent to each other in the width direction in the vamp portion 105. Specifically, the front small grooves (211d, 212d) and rear small grooves (211f, 212f) of both groove portions (211, 212) are formed to be shorter or longer than the adjacent front small grooves or rear small grooves, respectively, and the medium and small grooves (211e, 212e) are formed to be shifted from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vamp portion 105 (formed in a staggered pattern).

[0069] (Lead 200 operation) Next, we will explain how the reed 200 configured as described above works. This reed 200 can be used in the same way as the reed 100 according to the first embodiment. In this case, with the reed 200 attached to the mouthpiece 90, the user can enjoy a playing feel similar to that of a natural reed, and can also obtain a tone color different from that of a natural reed.

[0070] Here, the results of a sensory test conducted by the present inventor on the reed 200 according to the present invention will be described. The present inventor conducted a sensory test similar to the sensory test on the reed 100 according to the first embodiment. In this sensory test, the present inventor obtained substantially the same results as the test results for the reed 100 described above regarding the difference in blowing feel of the reed 200 according to the present invention compared to the natural reed, first reed, and second reed according to the prior art.

[0071] The inventors also conducted a sensory test to assess the difference in playing feel between the reed 200 of the present invention and the reed 100 described above. As a result, 14 out of 20 subjects answered that they felt that a different playing feel could be achieved with a clarinet equipped with the reed 200 of the present invention compared to a clarinet equipped with the reed 100. Specifically, the subjects answered that they felt that a different playing feel could be achieved with the reed 200 of the present invention compared to a clarinet equipped with the reed 100 in terms of reed behavior, reflexivity, ease of reed control, resistance when blowing into the reed, and the feeling of the reed touching the subject's lips or tongue.

[0072] Regarding tone, 14 out of 20 subjects responded that they felt that the clarinet equipped with the reed 200 according to the present invention produced a different tone compared to the clarinet equipped with the reed 100.

[0073] As can be understood from the above description of operation, according to the second embodiment, the reed 200 has the grooves 210 formed discontinuously toward one end or the other end, and therefore, according to the sensory tests conducted by the inventors, the reed 200 can provide a blowing feel that is equal to or close to that of a natural reed, while producing a sound that is different from that of a natural reed. Furthermore, according to the sensory tests, the reed 200 can provide a blowing feel that is different from that of the reed 100 of the first embodiment, and can produce a tone color that is different from that of the reed 100.

[0074] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of a reed for a reeded instrument according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The lead 300 according to the third embodiment is characterized in that a plurality of grooves are formed intersecting each other on the surface of the vamp portion 105. Therefore, in the description of the third embodiment, the differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described, and common parts will be denoted by common reference numerals and their description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0075] (Lead 300 configuration) The lead 300 has a groove 310 that shares some of the configuration with the groove 110 of the lead 100 according to the first embodiment. The groove 310 is made up of a plurality of grooves each having an arc-shaped cross section, and each groove extends radially and curvedly from the front end of the attachment portion 102 toward the front end of the lead. In this embodiment, the groove 310 is formed as an arc of a circle with a diameter of approximately 1.2 mm, and is made up of six grooves whose width gradually narrows from the front end of the attachment portion 102 toward the front end of the lead.

[0076] In this case, the groove portions 310 are formed in line symmetry with three grooves on each side of the width direction of the vamp portion 105, with the center line L of the lead 300 as the axis of symmetry. In this case, the three grooves formed on one side (lower side in the figure) of the vamp portion 105 in the width direction with the center line L as the axis of symmetry are each formed from the left side surface (lower side in the figure) of the vamp portion 105 toward the right side surface (upper side in the figure). Furthermore, the three grooves formed on the other side (upper side in the figure) of the vamp portion 105 in the width direction with the center line L as the axis of symmetry are each formed from the right side surface (upper side in the figure) of the vamp portion 105 toward the right side surface (lower side in the figure). In other words, the groove portions 310 are formed such that the three grooves formed on each side of the width direction of the vamp portion 105, three on each side, intersect with each other at the longitudinal middle of the vamp portion 105.

[0077] (Lead 300 operation) Next, we will explain how the reed 300 configured as described above works. This reed 300 can be used in the same way as the reed 100 according to the first embodiment and the reed 200 according to the second embodiment. In this case, with the reed 300 attached to the mouthpiece 90, the user can enjoy a playing feel similar to that of a natural reed, and can also obtain a tone color different from that of a natural reed.

[0078] Here, the results of a sensory test conducted by the present inventor on the reed 300 according to the present invention will be described. The present inventor conducted a sensory test similar to the sensory test conducted on the reed 100 according to the first embodiment and the reed 200 according to the second embodiment. In this sensory test, the present inventor obtained substantially the same results as the test results for the reed 100 and reed 200 described above regarding the difference in blowing feel of the reed 300 according to the present invention compared to the natural reed, first reed, and second reed according to the prior art.

[0079] The inventors also conducted a sensory test to assess the difference in the playing feel of the reed 300 according to the present invention compared to the reeds 100 and 200 described above. As a result, 13 to 14 of the 20 subjects answered that they felt that the clarinet fitted with the reed 300 according to the present invention provided a playing feel that was different from that of the clarinet fitted with the reeds 100 and 200. Specifically, the subjects answered that they felt that the playing feel was different from that of the reeds 100 and 200 in terms of the behavior of the reed, the reed's responsiveness, the ease of control of the reed, the resistance felt when blowing into the reed, and the feeling of the reed touching the subject's lips or tongue.

[0080] Regarding tone, 13 to 14 out of 20 subjects answered that they felt that the clarinet equipped with reed 300 according to the present invention produced a tone that was different from that of the clarinets equipped with reeds 100 and 200, respectively.

[0081] As can be understood from the above description of operation, according to the third embodiment, the reed 300 has intersecting grooves 310, and therefore, according to the sensory tests conducted by the inventors, the reed 300 can provide a blowing feel that is equal to or close to that of a natural reed, while producing a sound that is different from that of a natural reed. Furthermore, according to the sensory tests, the reed 300 can provide a blowing feel that is different from that of the reeds 100 and 200 of the first and second embodiments, and can produce a tone that is different from that of the reeds 100 and 200.

[0082] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of a reeded musical instrument reed according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 8. The reed 400 according to this fourth embodiment is characterized by having a recess 420 on the surface of the vamp portion 105. Therefore, in describing this fourth embodiment, we will mainly focus on the parts that are different from the first, second, and third embodiments, and common parts will be designated by common reference numerals and their description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0083] (Lead 400 configuration) The lead 400 has a groove 410 that shares some of the configuration with the groove 110 of the lead 100 according to the first embodiment, and a recess 420 formed as a bottomed hole. The groove 410 is configured to have one first groove 411 corresponding to the first groove 111 and second groove 112 of the lead 100 according to the first embodiment, respectively, and four second grooves 412 each consisting of two second grooves 412a, 412c.

[0084] The first groove 411 is configured as a groove formed linearly along the center line L. In this embodiment, the first groove 411 is formed so that the groove width gradually narrows from the front end side of the attachment portion 102 toward the lead front end side. The second groove 412 is configured as a groove formed linearly and inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the first groove 411. In this embodiment, the second groove 412 is configured as a groove formed so that the groove width gradually narrows from the front end side of the attachment portion 102 toward the lead front end side.

[0085] In this case, the two second grooves 412a adjacent to the first groove 411 on both sides of the vamp 105 in the width direction are formed at positions offset by ±0.29° with respect to the first groove 411. Furthermore, the two second grooves 412c adjacent to these second grooves 412a on the outer side of the vamp 105 in the width direction with a gap therebetween are formed at positions offset by ±0.46° with respect to the first groove 411. That is, the second grooves 412 are formed two by two on each side of the vamp 105 in the width direction, line-symmetrically with respect to the first groove 411 (center line L) as the axis of symmetry, and are formed so that the offset angle increases as the groove (second groove 412c) becomes more distant from the first groove 411 in the width direction of the vamp 105.

[0086] The recess 420 is composed of a plurality of blind holes aligned in a straight line from the front end side of the attachment portion 102 toward the front end side of the lead. Specifically, the recess 420 has a plurality of blind holes formed along imaginary straight lines IL1 and IL2 that are inclined at a predetermined angle on both sides of the width direction of the vamp portion 105 relative to the first groove portion 411, and the intervals between the blind holes are formed so as to gradually decrease from the front end side of the attachment portion 102 toward the front end side of the lead.

[0087] Here, the imaginary line IL1 is an imaginary line that is centered on a predetermined point (not shown) on the center line L and extends to positions shifted by the same angle on both sides of the width direction of the vamp portion 105 with respect to the center line L. In this embodiment, the imaginary line IL1 is set at a position shifted by ±0.52° with respect to the center line L so as to be located between the grooves between each of the second grooves 412a that are adjacent to each of the first grooves 411 on both sides of the width direction of the vamp portion 105 and each of the second grooves 412c that are adjacent to each of the second grooves 412a on the outer side of the vamp portion 105 in the width direction with a gap therebetween.

[0088] The imaginary line IL2 is an imaginary line that is centered on the predetermined point (not shown) on the center line L and extends to positions offset by the same angle on both sides of the width direction of the vamp portion 105 with respect to the center line L. In this embodiment, the imaginary line IL2 is set at a position offset by ±0.55° with respect to the center line L so as to be located between the second groove portions 412a adjacent to the first groove portions 411 on both sides of the width direction of the vamp portion 105 and the second groove portions 412c adjacent to these second groove portions 412a on the outer side of the vamp portion 105 in the width direction with a gap therebetween.

[0089] That is, the imaginary line IL2 is located on the outer side of the imaginary line IL1 in the width direction of the vamp portion 105. The imaginary lines IL1 and IL2 are located on both sides of the vamp portion 105 in the width direction in line symmetry with the center line L as the axis of symmetry, and are set so that the deviation angle increases as the grooves are farther away from the center line L.

[0090] Twelve recesses 420 are formed on each of the two imaginary straight lines IL1, and eleven recesses 420 are formed on each of the two imaginary straight lines IL2. In this case, the recesses 420 are formed at offset positions on the imaginary straight lines IL1 and IL2 (i.e., arranged in a staggered pattern) so that the recesses 420 formed on the imaginary straight lines IL1 and the recesses 420 formed on the imaginary straight lines IL2 do not overlap each other in the width direction of the vamp portion 105.

[0091] (Lead 400 operation) Next, we will explain how the reed 400 configured as described above works. This reed 400 can be used in the same manner as the reeds 100, 200, and 300 according to the first to third embodiments. In this case, with the reed 400 attached to the mouthpiece 90, the user can obtain a blowing feel similar to that of a natural reed, and can also obtain a tone color different from that of a natural reed.

[0092] Here, the results of a sensory test conducted by the present inventor on the reed 400 according to the present invention will be described. The present inventor conducted a sensory test similar to the sensory test conducted on the reeds 100, 200, and 300 according to the first and second embodiments. In this sensory test, the present inventor obtained substantially the same results as the test results for the reeds 100, 200, and 300 described above regarding the difference in blowing feel of the reed 400 according to the present invention compared to the natural reeds, first reeds, and second reeds according to the prior art.

[0093] The inventors also conducted a sensory test to examine the difference in the playing feel of the reed 400 of the present invention compared to the reeds 100, 200, and 300 described above. As a result, 13 to 14 of the 20 subjects answered that they felt that the clarinet equipped with the reed 400 of the present invention provided a playing feel that was different from that of the clarinets equipped with the reeds 100, 200, and 300. Specifically, the subjects answered that they felt that the playing feel was different from that of the reeds 100, 200, and 300 in terms of the behavior of the reed, the reed's responsiveness, the ease of control of the reed, the resistance felt when blowing into the reed, and the feeling of the reed on the subject's lips or tongue.

[0094] Regarding tone, 13 to 14 out of 20 subjects answered that they felt that the clarinet equipped with reed 400 according to the present invention produced a tone that was different from that of the clarinets equipped with reeds 100, 200, and 300, respectively.

[0095] However, conventional natural reeds are made from natural materials such as bamboo. As a result, the properties of natural reeds vary subtly depending on various factors, such as the environment in which the wood grows, the season in which the wood is harvested, the part of the wood used as the reed, the processing method, the season in which the reed is used, and storage conditions. Therefore, it is not possible to expect the same playing feel or tone color from all natural reeds.

[0096] However, in the reeds of the present invention, as in the reeds 100, 200, 300, and 400 described above, by providing radial grooves 110, 210, 310, and 410 of various shapes in the vamp portion 105, and by further providing a recess 420, it is possible to reproduce the playing feel of various natural reeds, each of which has subtly varying properties, while producing a tone color different from that of a natural reed.

[0097] As can be understood from the above description of operation, according to the fourth embodiment, the vamp portion 105 of the reed 400 has recesses 420 formed as bottomed holes on its surface, allowing the thickness or shape of the vamp portion 105 to be precisely shaped by adjusting the size, shape, depth, or position of the recesses 420. Therefore, according to sensory tests conducted by the inventors, the reed 400 provides a playing feel equivalent to or close to that of a natural reed, while producing a sound different from that of a natural reed. Furthermore, according to the sensory tests, the reed 400 provides a playing feel different from that of the reeds 100, 200, and 300 of the first to third embodiments, and can produce a tone different from that of the reeds 100, 200, and 300.

[0098] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. In the following modifications, the same components as those in the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0099] For example, in the above embodiments, the reeds 100, 200, 300, and 400 are configured as single reeds used for the single-reed instrument M, which is a reeded instrument. However, the reeds 100 to 400 can also be used as double reeds, which are made up of two reeds.

[0100] In the above-described embodiments, the reed body 101 of the reeds 100, 200, 300, and 400 is made of a resin material. However, the reeds 100 to 400 may be made of a fiber-reinforced resin, which contains fibers, or may be made of a material other than resin, such as a paper material such as cardboard. The reed according to the present invention can produce a sound different from that of a natural reed by providing radial grooves in the reed body 101 made of a natural material.

[0101] In the above-described embodiments, the reeds 100, 200, 300, and 400 are configured by forming the reed body 101 into a long, thin plate shape with a length of approximately 67.4 mm, a width of approximately 12 to 13.3 mm, and a thickness of approximately 0.15 to 2.9 mm. However, the size and shape of the reed body 101 are not limited to those described in the above-described embodiments. In this case, the reed body 101 can be formed into any size or shape depending on the instrument in which the reed 100 to 400 is used, the size of the mouthpiece 90, or the size of the player's mouth (opening).

[0102] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the leads 100, 200, 300, and 400 have the grooves 110, 210, 310, and 410 formed on the surface of the vamp portion 105. However, the leads 100 to 400 may have the grooves 110 to 410 formed only on the back surface of the vamp portion 105 or on both the front and back surfaces. The same applies to the recess 420, which may be formed only on the back surface of the vamp portion 105 or on both the front and back surfaces.

[0103] In the above-described embodiments, the leads 100, 200, 300, and 400 have grooves 110, 210, 310, and 410 formed to extend radially from the front end of the attachment portion 102 in the vamp portion 105 toward the front end of the lead. However, the leads 100 to 400 may have grooves 110 to 410 formed to extend radially from the front end of the lead in the vamp portion 105 toward the front end of the attachment portion 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 9(A), the lead 100 may have grooves 110 formed to extend radially from the front end of the lead in the vamp portion 105 toward the front end of the attachment portion 102.

[0104] In the first, second and fourth embodiments, the grooves 110, 210 and 410 are configured such that the first grooves 111, 211 and 411 are linear grooves extending along the center line L of the lead body 101. However, the first grooves 111, 211 and 411 constituting the grooves 110, 210 and 410 may be linear grooves extending in the longitudinal direction of the vamp 105.

[0105] Specifically, the first grooves 111, 211, 411 can be configured as grooves extending linearly in the illustrated diagonal direction from the left or right widthwise end of the front end of the attachment portion 102 in the vamp portion 105 toward the right or left widthwise end of the lead front end. In this case, the second grooves 112, 212, 412 can be configured as grooves extending linearly and inclined at a predetermined angle on both sides of the vamp portion 105 in the width direction with respect to the first grooves 111, 211, 411. For example, as shown in FIG. 9(B), the lead 100 can have the groove 111 configured as a groove extending linearly in the illustrated diagonal direction from the left widthwise end of the front end of the attachment portion 102 in the vamp portion 105 toward the right widthwise end of the lead front end.

[0106] In the first and fourth embodiments, the grooves 110, 410 are configured such that the second grooves 112c, 412c are radial grooves that gradually approach both widthwise ends of the vamp 105 in the longitudinal direction. In the second embodiment, the grooves 210 are configured such that the two grooves 213d, 213e, 213f adjacent to both widthwise ends of the vamp 105 gradually approach both widthwise ends from the rear end side to the front end side of the vamp 105. However, the grooves 110, 410, 210 can be configured such that the second grooves 112c, 412c and the two grooves 213d, 213e, 213f are parallel to both widthwise ends of the vamp 105.

[0107] 10, the lead 100 can have the second groove 112c in the groove 110 configured as a groove parallel to both widthwise ends of the vamp 105. In this case, the first groove 111, the second groove 112a, and the second groove 112b can be formed in a radial pattern between the two second grooves 112c, as in the second embodiment. This allows the width between the two second grooves 112c in the vamp 105 and both widthwise ends to be constant from the rear end to the front end of the lead, preventing the width on the front end side of the lead from narrowing, thereby preventing a decrease in rigidity on the front end side of the lead.

[0108] In the second embodiment, the groove portion 210 of the lead 200 is configured with three small grooves formed intermittently at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the vamp portion 105. However, the groove portion 210 of the lead 200 can be configured with any number of small grooves.

[0109] In the second embodiment, the lead 200 is formed such that the positions of the small grooves constituting the groove portion 210 are shifted so that they are not adjacent to each other in the width direction of the vamp portion 105. However, the lead 200 can be formed such that the small grooves constituting the groove portion 210 overlap each other in the width direction of the vamp portion 105 so that they are adjacent to each other in the width direction of the vamp portion 105.

[0110] In the second embodiment, the lead 200 has one first groove portion 211 and all six second groove portions 212 formed by a plurality of small grooves. However, it is sufficient that at least one of the first groove portion 211 and the second groove portion 212 forming the groove portion 210 of the lead 200 is formed by a plurality of small grooves. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11(A), the lead 200 can have one first groove portion 211 and four second groove portions 212 formed by grooves extending linearly in the longitudinal direction of the vamp portion 105, and the remaining two second groove portions 212 formed by a plurality of small grooves formed intermittently at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the vamp portion 105.

[0111] In the third embodiment, the lead 300 is configured so that all of the grooves 310 provided in the vamp portion 105 intersect with each other. However, the lead 300 may be configured so that at least some of the grooves 310 provided in the vamp portion 105 intersect with each other.

[0112] In the above embodiments, the grooves 110, 210, 310, and 410 have an arc-shaped (including elliptical) cross section. However, the grooves 110, 210, 310, and 410 may have any cross section, such as a rectangular or triangular shape.

[0113] In each of the above embodiments, the grooves 110, 210, 310, and 410 are formed so that their longitudinal rear ends (left end in the drawing) are aligned in the width direction, and their longitudinal front ends (right end in the drawing) are formed at approximately the same distance from the tip portion 115. However, the grooves 110, 210, 310, and 410 can have both longitudinal ends formed at any position on the vamp portion 105.

[0114] 11(B), the lead 100 can be formed such that the rear ends of the second grooves 112b are closer to the front end of the vamp 105 than the rear ends of the first grooves 111, and the rear ends of the second grooves 112a and 112c are closer to the front end of the vamp than the rear ends of the second grooves 112b. Also, the lead 100 can be formed such that the front ends of the grooves 110 are aligned in the width direction of the vamp 105.

[0115] In the fourth embodiment, the recess 420 is configured as a hemispherical bottomed hole. However, the recess 420 may be formed in any shape as long as it is configured as a bottomed hole. In this case, the recess 420 may be formed in a shape in which a plurality of bottomed holes are partially overlapped with each other.

[0116] In the fourth embodiment, the recess 420 is configured with 11 or 12 blind holes arranged in a straight line from the front end side of the attachment portion 102 to the front end side of the lead in the vamp portion 105. However, the recess 420 only needs to be configured with at least one blind hole, and can be formed at any position in the vamp portion 105 and can be configured with any number of blind holes.

[0117] In each of the above embodiments, the leads 100, 200, 300, and 400 have the central protrusion 106 formed in the center in the width direction and inside the lead front end on the back surface of the vamp portion 105. However, the leads 100, 200, 300, and 400 can have the central protrusion 106 formed on the back surface of the lead front end.

[0118] In the above-described embodiments, the reeds 100, 200, 300, and 400 are configured with a central protrusion 106 on the back surface of the vamp 105. This allows the reeds 100, 200, 300, and 400 to impart widthwise vibration characteristics to the reed body 101 that differ from those of natural reeds, and according to sensory tests conducted by the inventors, produces a tone color that differs from that of natural reeds. Furthermore, by having the central protrusion 106 on the back surface of the vamp 105, the player can identify the widthwise center of the reed 100, 200, 300, and 400 by contacting the lips or tongue when the reed is held in the mouth, thereby facilitating position adjustment of the reed 100, 200, 300, and 400. However, the reeds 100, 200, 300, and 400 can be configured without the central protrusion 106.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the reeds 100, 200, 300, and 400 are each configured with a recessed portion 107 and an end-side protrusion 108 on the back surface of the vamp portion 105. Therefore, the vamp portion 105 of the reeds 100, 200, 300, and 400 is formed with a wavy pattern of thick and thin portions in the width direction, providing different widthwise rigidity than a natural reed. This allows the reeds 100, 200, 300, and 400 to impart different widthwise vibration characteristics to the vamp portion 105 than a natural reed, and according to sensory tests conducted by the inventors, they can produce a different tone color than a natural reed. However, the reeds 100, 200, 300, and 400 may be configured without the recessed portion 107 and the end-side protrusion 108, or without either the recessed portion 107 or the end-side protrusion 108. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] M...single reed instrument, L...center line, IL1...imaginary line, IL2...imaginary line, 80...ligature, 90...mouthpiece, 91...table, 92...window, 100... lead, 101... lead body, 102...mounting portion, 105...vamp portion, 106... central protrusion, 107... recessed portion, 108... end side protrusion, 110...groove portion, 111...first groove portion, 112...second groove portion, 112a...second groove, 112b...second groove, 112c...second groove, 115...tip portion, 115a...first circular arc, 115b...second circular arc, 200...lead, 210...groove, 211...first groove, 211d...front minor groove, 211e...medium minor groove, 211f...rear minor groove, 212...Second groove, 212d...Front small groove, 212e...Medium small groove, 212f...Back small groove, 213d...front minor groove, 213e...medium minor groove, 213f...posterior minor groove, 300...lead, 310...groove, 400...lead, 410...groove portion, 411...first groove portion, 412...second groove portion, 412a...second groove portion, 412c...second groove portion, 420...recess.

Claims

1. A reed is a sound-producing body of a reeded instrument that vibrates when the player blows into it. The lead body is made of a long, plate-like body, The lead body includes: a vamp portion whose thickness changes from one end side to the other end side in the longitudinal direction; a groove portion consisting of a plurality of grooves on a back surface of the vamp portion that comes into contact with the player's lips or on a surface opposite to the back surface, The groove portion is 1. A reed for a reeded instrument, characterized in that the reed is formed so as to extend radially from the opposite end toward the one end or the other end.

2. 2. The reed for a reeded instrument according to claim 1, The groove portion is A reed for a reeded instrument, characterized in that the reed is formed discontinuously toward one end or the other end.

3. 2. The reed for a reeded instrument according to claim 1, The groove portion is A reed for a reeded instrument, wherein at least some of the plurality of grooves are formed to intersect with one another.

4. 2. The reed for a reeded instrument according to claim 1, The vamp portion is A reed for a reeded instrument, characterized in that the front surface or the back surface has a recess formed of a bottomed hole.

5. 2. The reed for a reeded instrument according to claim 1, The vamp portion is A reed for a reeded instrument, characterized in that the reed has a central protrusion that protrudes convexly from the central portion in the width direction of the back surface.

6. 6. A reed for a reeded instrument according to claim 5, The vamp portion is a recessed portion recessed in a concave shape on each side of the central protrusion in the width direction; a reed for a reeded instrument, characterized in that it has end-side protrusions that protrude convexly outward in the width direction of the recessed portions;

7. A reeded instrument having a sound-producing body that vibrates when the player blows air into it, The sound generating body is A reeded instrument comprising a reed for a reeded instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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