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Author: Ben
Date: 2006-05-05 08:24
What type and strength of Gonzalez reeds would be most similar to the Blue box (original style) strength 3.5 Vandorens?
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2006-05-05 10:25
It can vary but I'd say the same size or maybe 1/4 harder. I don't play Vandoren 3.5, but I play Vandoren 3. Gonzalez 2.75 were just slightly too soft (most of them not all), Gonzalez 3 were very close, and Gonzalez 3.25 were also very close, this is mostly because Vandoren are a little less consistant than Gonzalez (which for me is a good thing).
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Author: GBK
Date: 2006-05-05 13:51
An interesting question, since there are no absolutes when comparing different reed brands and strengths. Two people can have very different opinions on feel, response, flexibility, etc...
The reed comparison chart by Phil Shapiro, on the Davie Cane website, shows the FOF 3.5 almost equivalent to the Vandoren Blue Box 3 1/2.
However, in my experience, I have found the FOF 3.25 closer to the Vandoren Blue Box 3 1/2.
Aside from differences in scrape, vamp, etc...be aware that the FOF reed is modeled on a thick blank and the Vandoren Blue Box is cut on a thin blank.
Two entirely different animals ...GBK
(Disclaimer - I am a (non-paid) endorsee of Gonzalez/Mozart reeds.)
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Author: FredR
Date: 2006-05-05 23:52
To broaden the topic a bit, I don't suppose there is a more comprehensive reed chart out there anywhere. We all talk about things like thin/thick blank, lay, vamp, heart and tip thickness but they are never addressed in any of the charts and the bit of fluff written in the catalogs is next to useless.
I was quite enamoured with Brancher reeds (4.5), but sadly they seem unattainable now. I never cared for vandorens, 4 were too hard and 3.5 gave me a buzz. Over the past 8 months (date of my still open order for the beloved brancher 4.5) I have amassed quite a substantial graveyard of reeds, including 3 sizes of Gonzalez FOF, Alexander S, Rue Lepic, and a few others. I seem to be settling in to Glotins with a little of bit of reed rushing to the sides, but I hear they are going off the market.
You would think that there would more information on such a staple item to enable us to make a somewhat informed decision on what to try (or not)
Fred
Post Edited (2006-05-06 00:38)
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2006-05-06 08:41
GBK's comments are entirely accurate, but don't answer the question. The FOF reeds are made on a 3.2 mm blank and are Gonzalez's answer to the V12. If you want something closer to blue-box Vandorens, then I think the RC, made on a 2.8 mm blank, is what you need.
I've only used FOF, so can't give an opinion on which strength you should try.
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If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2006-05-06 13:25
David's suggestion of the RC Gonzalez reeds is a good one.
Indeed they are built on a thin blank template, similar to the Blue Box Vandoren. However, there is no tapering toward the butt end of the reed. They also have a slightly higher initial scrape (nearer the tip) which makes them ideal for mouthpieces which do not have a long facing. The reeds are single cut (one scrape) with a pronounced U shaped cut on the bark - as opposed to a flatter shaped bark cut which the FOF reeds have. The difference in the U shaped scrape is similar to what you would see when comparing a V12 and a Blue Box reeds, although those brands are both file cut type reeds.
I have found that the Gonzalez RC reeds run equivalent to the Blue Box Vandorens ...GBK
( Disclaimer - as stated previously )
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