 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Pilot
Date: 2009-02-18 07:48
Hi everybody!
I'm kind of new to the Board, so here's a little information about myself.
I have been playing the clarinet for about 9 years now and my playing is around the grade 10 RCM and breaching the ARCT level. Currently I'm a music major in post-secondary going on to 3rd year in September and with thoughts of minoring in Biology.
The majority of my years playing the clarinet I have used Vandoren V12 #4-5 reeds. However, for a short period I played on Zondas but I always start drifting back to the Vandorens. The reason for this is because of my mouthpiece. It's a Ch. Chedeville with a long face and closed tip.
So my question is can anyone recommend a reed brand that goes well with this type of mouthpiece? For the past year I have been using V12 #5's but lately they have been inconsistent from reed to reed, and as a result I reject them even after knife work.
I had some luck with the Vandoren Black Master ones but they need major alterations with a knife.
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Author: redwine
Date: 2009-02-18 11:30
Hello,
(disclaimer--I'm the North American importer for Canyes Xilema reeds).
If you try the Canyes Xilema, the Professional and Artesana cuts (which are different from the V-12) are more similar to the V-12. The Classic cut (again, different from VanDoren) is more like the Traditional cut. They come in quarter strengths, by letter instead of number.
Good luck!
Ben Redwine, DMA
owner, RJ Music Group
Assistant Professor, The Catholic University of America
Selmer Paris artist
www.rjmusicgroup.com
www.redwinejazz.com
www.reedwizard.com
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Author: Ed
Date: 2009-02-18 12:20
The Rico Grand Concert Thick blank work very well and are quite consistent.
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Author: Pilot
Date: 2009-02-18 19:55
Thanks! I'll try the Evolutions next time. I have already tried the Gonzalez FOFs but the cane didn't have enough spring.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2009-02-18 20:38
Hello Pilot,
You're comment about spring brings an important question: do you break in or "cure" your reeds, or do you just play them?
If you just play them, then you are missing out on a process that would improve the spring and longevity of any reed.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Pilot
Date: 2009-02-19 04:49
I break them in during a period of three weeks or so. Zonda and Gonzalez I find don't last as long as Vandoren. They both tend to feel mushy quickly.
I'm at a lost here. My mouthpiece seems to only accept V12 #5s. I have tried other brands in the past but with no luck. They were either too weak or the cut/scrape of the reed was too short, hence that's why I had to hack away at the Black Masters with a knife.
The brands I already tried are: Vandoren 56 Rue Lepic, Zonda, Gonzalez FOF, Vandoren Traditional, Olivieri, Rico Grand Concert Thick Blank, and others that I can't recall right now.
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Author: BandieSF
Date: 2009-02-19 07:15
If you are willing to consider synthetics as well, I've found that Legere Quebecs are very similar to V12. They do take some getting used to, but once that is done you might be surprised at how similar they can be.
Be sure, though, to get them in a quarter strength (they come in quarters rather than half sizes like most cane reeds) stronger than your current V12 strength, or the same strength at the very least. There's nothing worse sounding than a Legere reed that's too soft for you.
As far as break-in periods and procedures, I haven't quite determined the best way to condition them. I've only recently gone to strictly Legere playing (not even a full year ago yet, though I tried my first well before that). I have found that they do require a break-in period, despite what some may claim. That much I can tell you.
As far as altering goes I have not tried to alter mine in any way, although I have heard of some who have and had success. At the same time, I've heard of others who ended up with a ruined reed instead.
-----
Current set-up:
Classical:
Strength 4 1/4 Legere Signature Series
Vandoren M13 Lyre
Jazz:
Strength 3 3/4 Legere Quebec
Pomarico Jazz*
Clarinets:
Buffet E11 Student Model
Buffet R13 Greenline
<http://operationhighschool.blogspot.com
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