Klarinet Archive - Posting 000033.txt from 2004/08

From: klarinet <klarinet@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] spanish reeds
Date: Mon, 2 Aug 2004 15:32:57 -0400

I spent a good deal of time at the ClarinetFest with the nice people at
Xilema reeds both sampling their reeds and discussing the details about
them.

They are definitely a high quality reed worthy of consideration.

They come in 3 different models in strengths A, B, C, D or E (Xilema says
that this equates to approximately 2 1/2, 3, 3 1/2, 4 and 4 1/2).

In testing, however, I found that a Blue box Vandoren 3 1/2 would be closer
to a Xilema strength D.

The models of Xilema reeds are:
Professional - a French file cut reed on a medium thick blank

Classic - a single cut reed on a medium thick blank

Artist - a single cut reed on a medium thick blank.

The Classic and Artist models are identical except that the Artist reeds are
hand finished/polished on the front and back.

I highly favored the sound from the Classic model, as I thought the
Professional was a bit too thin/bright sounding and the Artist model was a
bit dull sounding (perhaps due to the hand finishing?)

However, all three models are viable options to try and my opinion is only
based on my particular mouthpiece/ligature configuration. Others will have
different results with their equipment.

One further observation: Although the consistency from one reed to another
was good, I did notice a small degree of difference in the thickness of the
blanks (even within the same model). This may be a point of concern.

I play on Gonzalez FOF 3.5 as my reed of choice and have found the quality
and consistency of the cane to be exceptional.

Glenn Kantor

> > Anyone tried and have opinions on the Spanish reeds available at
> > Clarinetfest?

> > --Jim

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