 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Nomenclature
Date: 2019-02-15 01:11
Why do Fibracell reeds only last for a few weeks (if that) before the see-through backing floats away from the reed itself? They're too expensive to be buying every couple of weeks. Are there any alternative synthetic reeds which don't do this? I tried Bravo reeds and didn't like them at all.
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Author: Clarinet_GAS
Date: 2019-02-15 01:14
I've used the same classic legere 3 for 3 years now.
Well in a real sense I've started using it exclusively for a year and I only play 2x a week for 3 hours each session.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2019-02-15 01:52
Legere Signature Soprano Saxophone reeds (yes, use them on Bb clarinet) and Legere European Signature Clarinet reeds are by far the best, and used by many of the best clarinetists. I have a group of five that I have been rotating for about three months now. Some have said they will last six months to a year. Still, I would highly recommend rotation to allow each to "snap back" to its original strength.
..............Paul Aviles.
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Author: Mojo
Date: 2019-02-15 18:22
I have used Fibracells on sax. The backing usually lasts a lot longer than 3 weeks. You may have gotten reeds from a bad batch.
MojoMP.com
Mojo Mouthpiece Work LLC
MojoMouthpieceWork@yahoo.com
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Author: Nomenclature
Date: 2019-02-15 22:15
Thanks for the replies so far. I think I'll try ordering a Legere signature clarinet reed and see how I get on with it. Any advice on which strength to order please as I have found the 3s in Fibracell to be perfect and I also use Vandoren 3s. I see they're £28 (I'm in the UK) per reed online so don't want to order the wrong strength at that price.
The Fibracell issue I had were with reeds ordered a few months apart and from different online retailers. I'm starting to think it's me? I wouldn't class myself as a particularly 'wet' player but it seems to be moisture that's causing the backing to come away from the reed. I emailed Fibracell this morning and attached a photo and am waiting to hear back.
Thanks again for the replies.
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Author: ClariYES
Date: 2019-02-15 22:55
Legere I believe has a strength comparison chart on their website. However, if you don't like the strength (too soft, too hard) then you can exchange it for free by contacting the company (there's I believe a 1-2 month time frame you can do this after purchase).
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2019-02-15 23:36
First.....DON'T order Legere Signature Clarinet reeds. I don't know why, they just don't seem to work very well. The Legere European Cut Signature is a WHOLE different story! Also, the Legere Signature Soprano Saxphone reeds are terrific and maybe have even a bit more bite to the sound (my current favorite of the two).
That said both are wider than conventional Bb clarinet reeds and might look weird to the uninitiated. Fight through the tendency to think of them as a mistake and actually try them!
Also, if you have access to Amazon in the UK, they take EVERYTHING back, no question. So if that is an option, do that. If the Legere exchange is the only option for you, they only take back four reeds per calendar year (from each person), so it is a very limited exchange and of course you wait for the turnaround since you send in the rejects and they send back replacements one for one.
Finally, pertaining to strength I recommend intentionally starting on the "weaker" side rather than the other way around. Too strong and they play fuzzy and still feel weak! I don't know why, it just is. Honing in on the perfect strength IS the expensive part of the Legere propostion, however, once you've got it, they can last six months to a year and you get your investment back pretty quick.
................Paul Aviles
Post Edited (2019-02-15 23:38)
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Author: claralot
Date: 2019-02-16 01:27
Hello Paul,
I use a Legere European 3.5 clarinet reed with decent results.
What strength would you suggest for the Legere Signature Soprano Saxophone reed base on my 3.5 European?
Thanks,,
...Mike
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Author: fernie121
Date: 2019-02-16 04:20
I use a 3 3/4 European Cut and I ordered a 3 1/2 Sop. sax Signature based on other postings on the board. I’ll report back if necessary on the results.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2019-02-16 11:51
The quarter strength difference seems to be about right on a typical 18mm length facing. I have found that my particularly short facing (14mm) makes the conversion closer to half strength difference (3 1/4 European Signature = 2 3/4 Signature soprano sax). I said this just the other day on another thread, but dialing in the correct strength is the most expensive and time consuming part of switching to Legere (use Amazon as much as possible for this). Once you've got it though the longevity (6mo to a year) of the Legere will quickly make up for the pain.
................Paul Aviles
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2019-02-16 16:52
In my opinion, the 3.25 plain/regular/standard Legere would be roughly equal to the 3 Vandoren (depending on which Vandoren you're using).
And yes, as Paul says, the most frustrating part of switching to Legere is finding just the right one for your mouthpiece, etc.
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