Klarinet Archive - Posting 000238.txt from 1997/02

From: Stan Geidel <sgeidel@-----.NET>
Subj: Vandoren V12 vs Zonda vs Grand Concert
Date: Sat, 8 Feb 1997 12:50:09 -0500

Friends,

I've played Vandoren V12 no. 4 reeds for quite a long time now, but in the
past year or so I've become somewhat unhappy with the consistency of these
reeds. So, I decided to try a couple of the reeds that have gotten a lot of
attention of late: the Zonda reeds and the Grand Concert thick cut reeds.
For anyone interested in the results of my trial...

Despite all their positive press, I was disappointed in the Zonda reeds. I
found them to be lacking in clarity of sound and consequently in the ability
to project. I experienced these problems in both staccato and legato
playing, at all dynamic levels. If I try them again, I will perhaps try a
somewhat lighter strength; I tried no. 4's, same as I am accostomed to in
the V12's. That may or may not mitigate the problem of clarity and
projection.

The Grand Concert (thick cut) reeds were very impressive. Quite unlike the
Zonda reeds, they were very responsive and produced a free, clear tone which
projected without any undue effort. These excellent results were present
over the entire range of the instrument at all dynamic levels, in both
legato and staccato passages.

The above is of course only one person's reaction on a limited sample of
reeds; a first impression, if you will. I offer it to you only as
information for your review. But, if you are looking for an alternative to
the V12's I strongly suggest you take a look at the Grand Concert reeds.

Best wishes,
Stan Geidel
---------------------------------------
Dr. Stan Geidel
Editor, The Online Clarinet Resource
Articles, Reviews, Lessons, More!
http://sneezy.mika.com/ocr