Klarinet Archive - Posting 000978.txt from 1998/07

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Plastic Reeds??
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 1998 15:25:50 -0400

Legere
29 Weatherup Cres.
Barrie, Ont., Canada
L4N 7J6

Dr. Guy Legere

Email: legere@-----.net

These are dscribed as Custom Design, Synitheic, Cane

Exerpt from the literature:

"At the heart of the Legere story is a unique synthetic plymer which is
being used for reed making for the first time. This material is quite
different than previously used synthetics, and has mechanical properties
very close to those of the finest cane in its playing state. We control
the material itself, making it harder or softer to achieve the desired
response and tonal quality. The Legere reed is durable and maintenance
free; and, best of all, its ready to go when you are - consistent high
quality sound, every time."

NOTE - we didn't have to wet these things....they played dry - and they
never changed quality within the 15 minute time span we tested
them......unusual even for a cane reed.

The reeds are based on commercial reed measurements.....if I understood
Dr. Legere correctly, the vamp and all other measurements are reflected in
5000 points of measure that are analyzed by computer which then controls
the highly developed milling equipment. They are hand finished after the
cut. It is described as "the latest in computer controlled
machinery......a process which is both infintely controllable and highly
reproducible."

"In addition to offering standard profiles, Legere is willing to work with
individuals on custom reeds. We have the ability to micro step the
strength of the reed without modifying the profile as well the ability to
generate a profile specifc to your needs. Old reeds that once played well
can be quickly digitized to make Legere reeds, or we can work from a set
of measurements that you provide."

I ordered three of the Bb's - two for which were at my "comfortable"
playing strengths on each side (hard and soft) and one centered between.
The two that I tried I could have played a recital on that night....they
were that good. I play on a size 4 V12 Bb reed - the corresponding number
for that particular reed is:

073

079 was between a 4 and a 4.5

The Bass Clarinet reed was slightly soft, but they will make two that are
slighly harder for me - and they really played brilliantly - in all
registers.

My experiences with plastic reeds has always been strident tones with poor
pitch at either end of the registers - but these played well top to
bottom....with the right amount of resistance and a beautiful sound.
Pretty impressive for a couple of chemists!

Roger Garrett
IWU

On Fri, 24 Jul 1998, Barbara Guyll wrote:

> Hi Roger,
>
> I would love that extra info on the plastic reeds!
>
> Thanks,
>
> Ray Guyll
>
>
>
>
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>

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