Klarinet Archive - Posting 000620.txt from 2003/06

From: EClarinet@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Survey - What brand of reeds do you use?
Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2003 12:54:06 -0400

In a message dated 6/20/03 3:22:11 AM EST, Walter writes:

<< I know we have been through this before, but I thought it would be
>interesting and instructive to see what people are playing on these days.
>
>Several new brands of reeds are on the market. Some established brands seem
>to have taken a dip in quality, some have seemed to improve. So - what
>reeds are YOU using these days?
>
>Also what reeds do you recommend for young (middle school) students.
>>

Hi Walter!

I use Zondas and Vandoren V-12s. The Vandoren's are really for backup,
because I always ending using the Zondas for the actual performances...they always
sound better than the Vandorens, although they do get water-logged after too
much playing, and don't last as long overall.

As for my ms students, at first I let them play on whatever they show up
with, and then when it's time for them to buy reeds at my recommendation (after,
say, 2 months) , I suggest Zondas, because there are only 5 in a box, so they
don't have to buy as many---the parents like this. Also, we can find exactly
what strength suits them best. And then I also have them try Vandoren V-12s. I
do have the occasional student who just can't manage thick blank reeds, and
so far, I have been letting them play Mitchel Lurie reeds. However, they
eventually find this unsatisfactory and end up on a thick blank.

I also recommend that each student keep a Legere in their case for
emergencys, as I do.

I have not tried the Gonzalez or Mozart reeds yet, and would try the Rico
Grand Concert more if someone around here stocked them. The few boxes I've tried
seem to be more subject to warpage, which is definitely an issue here in
Florida. However, I have not yet tried Tom Ridenour's ATG reed system on them
yet....maybe I will change my opinion about them when I've had a chance to work
on some of them.

Elise Curran
Orlando

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