Klarinet Archive - Posting 000188.txt from 1994/01

From: Melanie Groundsell <vlsgrnsl@-----.UK>
Subj: Re: Kate Oswalt's inquiry about reed cuts
Date: Thu, 27 Jan 1994 03:36:40 -0500

On Wed, 26 Jan 1994, N. Katherine Oswalt wrote:

>
> Well, the only thing I can tell about the Diamond Cut reeds are from the
> National Music Supply Fall '92 catalog. There is an ad for "Diamond Cut
Reeds,
> Novapak Box of 50," which sell for $28.70. There is also a "Diamond Cut"
Brand
> made by LaVoz.
>
> I have found some more brands of reeds that I have never tried, and would like
> to know if anyone here has used them. I'm looking for the perfect reed, and
> I haven't found it yet! :)
>
> The brands are: Bari, a synthetic reed; Prestini; Marca French reeds, or Grand
> Concert reeds.
>
>
> Thanks.
>
> Kate
> kate@-----.edu

With regards to the Marca reeds - I have been using them for about a year.
I was recommended to them by someone at CASS (Clarinet and Saxophone
Society). They seem to have limited availability in this country - I have
found only one music shop who seems to stock them. But they are generally
more consistent in quality than Vandoren. I have found that they are very
responsive to lip pressure, hence I've not pushed them at any of my
pupils, as they seem to do odd things to tuning, especially with those who
are still learning. I like them in comparison to Vandoren - but they are
not good for top notes - even the 2.5/3 seem to lack body on the top
A,B,C range.

Melanie Groundsell
Reading University Library