 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: reedy_character
Date: 2003-04-20 20:22
So here is the age old question what kind of reeds do you use and what strength. I just started liking the Rico Grand Concert Selects. I got sick of my vandorens and started buying one of each brand in the same size of 3 1/2. I always took the best looking(evenly cut,heart and tip) one out of the box. Turns out vandoren played the worst, it still needs some scraping. Mitchell luries were ok. But the Rico GCS were so good I bought another a full size higher to 4 1/2. After breaking it in, it was playing very nicely. Very clear in all registers.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2003-04-20 23:08
Trying a single reed of each brand will tell you absolutely nothing. You have to play several for an extended period of time to tell the relative characteristics of reeds. In addition, buying the same strength in all brands is wrong as they are not equal.
Anyway, I play either #3.5 Vandoren regular reeds or #4 Mitchell Lurie reeds.
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Author: Bradley
Date: 2003-04-21 01:20
I Play Grand Concert Select #4 and Vandoren V12 #3 1/2
Bradley
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Author: xsagax
Date: 2003-04-21 01:21
I play Rico Grand Concert Selects Thick Blank.
its better then tradition GCS. the tip is much better.
i hope you try Thick Blank if you like. the case is red
hi i love you
Post Edited (2003-04-21 02:26)
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Author: Corey
Date: 2003-04-21 01:25
I Play on Vandoren Tradtionals #3.5. I plan to try GCS's in the near future, though.
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Author: jce
Date: 2003-04-21 01:34
I play standard blue-box Vandoren #2.5 reeds. I tried a couple of boxes of Pete Fountain reeds and didn't like them as well. I also tried a box of Mitchel Lurie reeds and didn't like them as well, either. I haven't tried the more expensive reeds. I'll see what you guys recommend and do some more experimenting.
Best regards,
John Elison
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Author: PJ
Date: 2003-04-21 01:57
Well, since you brought it up...
I've gotten so sick of spending anywhere from $10 and up for a box of reeds, breaking them in, throwing away two or three and then STILL having to scrape the fool out of the rest that I've enlisted a dear friend of mine to teach me to make my own. I figure if I'm going to be a carpenter to get a reed to work right, I may as well do it all. Right?
I will admit, I really enjoy making reeds. It has actually become a very good activity to relieve stress and get my mind off of things. This friend has made reeds for years and spends a lot of time focussing on detail. I've found that you can really get lost in it as it is truley a lost art (for me anyway). I mean, if professional oboists and bassoonists still do it, why shouldn't we? I know, I know, to keep the reed companies in business!
My suggestion, if you are advaced enough (and I'm assuming by the post that you are by some degree) that you find someone to show you the basics of reed making and give it a shot. I'll guarantee you'll enjoy it and find that you spend less money in the long run. If not, at least you've learned the process and can pass it on to students if you choose. Its worth the experience anway!
Happy scraping!
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Author: Bradley
Date: 2003-04-21 02:03
xSagaX- I have tried the thick blank- and i prefer the regular ones, for what reason I havent really decided yet. I want to try the Evolutions since I havent yet, so we'll see how that goes.......
Bradley
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Author: Karel
Date: 2003-04-21 03:14
Like Bradley, I prefer GC Select to the thick blank (or the Evolution).
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Author: Benny
Date: 2003-04-21 03:43
Clarinet - Vandoren Black Master (strength 4)
Alto Saxomophone- Vandoren Java (strength 3)
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Author: Clarence
Date: 2003-04-21 05:33
For Bb/Eb clarinet, mostly Vandoren V12 #3 1/2 with some Marca #3.
Mouthpiece Lomax Classic A3
Post Edited (2003-05-01 08:18)
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Author: ron b
Date: 2003-04-21 06:17
With a plain ol' regular brown box Rico 3 1/2, I'm happy as can be. Once in a great while I find one that's not quite 'right', but that's really rare. I try to rotate several (three or four), as Dee and some others suggest, and that seems to lengthen their lifespan.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-04-21 06:28
Currently, Gilgiotti Plus 3.5. The best I've tried so far, but I just ordered some gonzalez reeds (I feel the Gigliotti 3.5 is a little soft so I ordered a box of FOF 3.75 and 4.0 and will test those out.)
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2003-04-21 07:28
V12 3 1/2 here... my last box was a joy, with 8 nice-playing reeds, 3 of which were fantastic. My current box has a few duds, but makes up for it with one "perfect" reed and a few quite nice ones.
One of these days I'll pick up a box of FOF 3 1/2... I have a box of 4's, but they are way too hard for me (they were too hard when I was playing V12 4's on a harder-is-better trip).
One of these days I might try making my own, but finding the time is a whole other problem
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2003-04-21 15:50
Whatever's cheap on eBay this week. Since I know how to properly break in and adjust reeds, and I have excellent mouthpieces, I can make just about any brand reed work well (not bragging, just fact).
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Author: Domingo
Date: 2003-04-21 16:31
I use vandoren 3.5. IVe used the GCS reeds before. I really loved the dark sounds of the lower notes. THe upper register, not so well. Do I have to use a thicker reed? Whats the thick blank about? A freind of mine said, eventually, she'll have to use a big 2 by 4 pice of wood and use it as a reed. well, guess you had to be there................................so then, basically its that its nice on lower tones, but bright on higher. The lower notes are the dark, clean solid kind of notes. well b4 i ramble on, let me know more about these GCS reeds.......
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Author: Cindy
Date: 2003-04-21 16:43
I generally play on V-12 3 1/2, but lately I've been playing on a leger 3 3/4 also. I love it, but it's not quite the same as the cane.
So many instruments to play........so little time to play them!
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2003-04-21 20:43
What Cindy said.......and in one band I play in, so many reed instruments to play on stage (4), and so little time to keep the reeds wet! My solution which I'm trying out, is to use Legere synthetic reeds on at least three of the four instruments (tenor and bari saxes, soprano and bass clarinets) -- so far the Legeres are working out pretty well. Ain't nothing like real cane, as far as I'm concerned, but the Legeres are pretty darn good in most ways and are great as backups or doublers' reeds.
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Author: Bob Schwab
Date: 2003-04-21 20:59
I've been using Vandoren V12 threes. I used to play as a teenager and had a twenty three year layoff so I haven't built up to a really stiff reed. I'm not sure I even care to. My mouthpiece, a Hite "J" model (I love it), is optimized for number threes. I am curious about some other brands though. I may try a box of Grand Concert next.
I heard that Pete Fountain played 2.5s. If he can sound that good on a 2.5 I'm not so convinced that stiffer is better (that didn't quite come out right).
Bob Schwab
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Author: javier garcia m
Date: 2003-04-21 21:02
I use Vandoren 2 1/2, and now I use 3.
I bought a Glotin box past year, #3. I'm very happy with these reeds, very consistents and good sound.
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Author: Bob A
Date: 2003-04-21 23:22
Dave S, as you play Tenor and Bass Clarinet, do you use Tenor reeds on your Bass, or vice versa? Is there a major difference that would lead you to use only Bass on Bass, and Tenor on Tenor? (All Legare's that is).
Bob A
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Author: Allessandra
Date: 2003-04-22 02:41
I have been play-testing reeds for quite some time, since I discovered my Vandoren V-12s, 3.5, were causing me to overblow and play too loudly. I'm surprised no one's mentioned Zondas, but I'm currently playing a Zonda 4, which I really like. The great thing about Zondas is each strength is divided into 3 substrengths, such as in the case of 4s, L, M and N. However, I'm still experimenting. If anyone else has tried Zondas and has an opinion, let me know!
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-04-22 02:50
Allessandra wrote:
> I have been play-testing reeds for quite some time, since I
> discovered my Vandoren V-12s, 3.5, were causing me to overblow
> and play too loudly. I'm surprised no one's mentioned Zondas,
> but I'm currently playing a Zonda 4, which I really like. The
> great thing about Zondas is each strength is divided into 3
> substrengths, such as in the case of 4s, L, M and N. However,
> I'm still experimenting. If anyone else has tried Zondas and
> has an opinion, let me know!
Am I correct in saying that Zonda is made by Davie Cane? I thought (for some reason) that Zonda was pretty much the traditional, thinner blank equivalent of Gonzalez FOF (the thicker blank). The sizes seem to match up and I think they are both south american cane.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: PJ
Date: 2003-04-22 02:54
Allesandra, I've played on Zonda's since they first hit the market. When they first came out they were wonderful. Every (well, almost) reed was consistent, there were little adjustments, if any, needed to be made and all the reeds played out of each box. I find now that they are getting more and more inconsistent.
Alexi, no they are not made by Davie Cane. They are made by Powell, the flute company. The Supreme blank is about the same thickness as the V12 and the Classico is a lot like the regular Vandorens. As for Gonzolez in comparison, I'm not qualified to say as I've not tried them yet.
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2003-04-22 03:06
I've just made the switch to Zonda from Vandoren V12. I get 4 out of 5 in a box, and they require little or no adjustment!
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Author: Liesel
Date: 2003-04-22 03:49
I play traditional Vandoren 3's. I plan to try Rico Grand Concert 3.5 soon.
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Author: Bradley
Date: 2003-04-22 04:19
Hmm- I heard Zonda was a division of Gonzalez- although this was just hearsay...
Btw- Davie Cane is just a distributor and is owned by one of my best friends' private teacher, Phil Shapiro.
Hooray for the flute company Powell! hehe
I also thought they were just distributors, like I believe LeBlanc is of Grand Concert Selects now, but again I could be wrong- maybe it is owned by the guy that now owns Powell Flutes.
Bradley
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-04-22 06:02
sfalexi/PJ/Bradley... I wasn't going to comment on this thread because the reed that one plays is a highly personal decision based on a number of factors, and what works for one person may not work for another.
However since your information about Gonzalez and Zonda reeds is inaccurate, it now needs to be corrected:
Argendonax S.R.L. is the company owned by the Gonzalez family in Mendoza, Argentina. They manufacture both the Zonda and Gonzalez reeds, as well as supply raw materials to other reed companies (even one French company we all know very well).
Phil Shapiro and Bob Weiner of Davie Cane (Florida) are US distributors of both Gonzalez and Mozart single reeds, oboe, english horn, bassoon and contrabassoon reeds as well as reed blanks and tube cane for both single and double reeds instruments. The Gonzalez alto sax reeds are also now finally coming to market after a delay due to packaging.
Zonda reeds are made in Mendoza, Argentina and distributed worldwide by Hinotes, Inc., a sister company of Verne Q. Powell Flutes, Inc.
Even if you are not a Gonzalez reed player (as I am) the above information is not difficult to find, and is much more helpful to the clarinet community than guessing with "I heard" or "I think" ...GBK
Post Edited (2003-04-22 07:11)
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2003-04-22 13:36
Bob A et al,
Over the years I've found that there's essentially no difference between bass clarinet and tenor sax reeds within most any given brand --- they are usually the same size, give or take an insignificant smidgeon, and they are cut about the same, so I use them interchangeably --- whatever is more readily available (generally there is a better selection of tenor sax reeds than bass clarinet).
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Author: Bob A
Date: 2003-04-22 17:04
Thanks Dave, one of the reasons I asked is that on a budget you notice things, fo0r example, I've found Tenor reeds $3.00 a box cheaper than Bass Clarinet reeds. Pays to look! ![[grin]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie5.gif)
Bob A
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Author: PJ
Date: 2003-04-22 18:22
Thanks GBK, I stand corrected. "Made" was not the word I should have used, but whatever.
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Author: ned
Date: 2003-04-23 04:04
Seems everyone has mentioned what # reed they use but for which type of music and importantly, which mouthpiece? Can't separate the three I would say.
Just for the record, for me.................
1/ Rico #4
2/ Vandoren JB5
3/ Jazz
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Author: CharmOne
Date: 2003-04-23 05:50
Moved from Rico Royals to Vandoren (traditional) 3. However, I will try Zonda reeds in College and etc...
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Author: Brenda
Date: 2003-04-23 18:40
Glad the Zondas were mentioned. I use Zonda Classico #4 although in a box the strength seems to vary somewhat. These are visibly wider than the Vandoren, and there's a major difference in the richness of sound. I've tried many times to return to Vandoren since I still have a box left, but within minutes it comes off and the Zonda goes back on. The Vandorens have a thinner sound.
I've tried the Mitchell Lurie and the Rico Royals as well, and their sound is thinner than Vandoren. Holding them up back to back to the Zonda, they're noticeably shorter and from a thinner cane than Zonda.
The decision depends on what your needs are, of course.
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2003-04-23 18:47
Glotin Gaia Reeds #4\
Vandoren #4 V12
Vandoren Blue Box #4
Zonda Select 4 1/2
I have not had the great success others have had with the zonda cane~such is life...
David Dow
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Author: Bradley
Date: 2003-04-23 19:14
Mr. Dow- How have you found the Glotin Gaia?
Have you tried the Gaia 50?
How do they compare with V12s?
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Author: Avie
Date: 2003-04-23 19:42
Reedy character,
I do something similar with a #4. I started playing with a #2 and now use a #4 reed. I shave a little off a new reed at each playing session until it starts playing well being careful not to take too much off. I dont rely on any particular brand names because they may not run consistantly either. I have learned that doctoring your reeds is a very important part of obtaining a good tone. I wish I had learned that a long time ago. Some BB members seem to frown on #4 reeds. Why is it that I seldom see anything on the BB board above a #3.5 reed?
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-04-23 21:52
avumba wrote:
> Reedy character,
> I do something similar with a #4. I started playing with a #2
> and now use a #4 reed. I shave a little off a new reed at each
> playing session until it starts playing well being careful not
> to take too much off. I dont rely on any particular brand names
> because they may not run consistantly either. I have learned
> that doctoring your reeds is a very important part of obtaining
> a good tone. I wish I had learned that a long time ago. Some
> BB members seem to frown on #4 reeds. Why is it that I seldom
> see anything on the BB board above a #3.5 reed?
>
I don't think so much that people frown on it, just that more people seem to like the "medium" set up. Medium reed, medium tip. There have been people who played with a harder reed (I work with 4's) but in general, once you hit a reed strength that you feel comfortable on and gives you a nice tone, why work to change the strength instead of sticking with it?
For the record, I am just trying out Gonzalez FOF reeds size 3.75 and 4.0. I have a closed mouthpiece which feels more comfortable to play with a harder reed.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Avie
Date: 2003-04-24 00:36
Alexi
I feel pretty much the same. But I would never say to stay with a #2,3 or 4 just because its working at the time or not to change your reed if you feel the need. Im just a beginner with an opinion with a lot to learn. Ive learned so much on this BB in just a few short months. Thanks
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-04-24 01:05
Avumba,
I meant not to change the reed if there IS no need. For instance, if you feel you get the best sound out of a Rico size 2.5 after trying other makes and sizes, stick with it. No need to go harder. If after a few months, you begin to get a bad tone and frequently overblow and get sqeeks or in the high register without meaning too, then experiment and see if it's time to change.
And FYI for this board, I just tried the Gonzalez FOF for the first time. Now, I'm a believer. Gonzalez 4.0 for me. Straight out of the box, no adjustments, played EXTREMELY well. I can't wait till it's broken in.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2003-04-24 11:23
Clarinet- main mouthpiece Jazz/ Swing/Commercial Pomarico 4 Diamond Lavoz medium soft or Vandoren classic 1 to 1 1/2, Military/Concert band mouthpiece Selmer C85 120 with Vandoren V12 3 1/2. Workshop tester is a Vintage polycrystal AC2 with Lavoz medium. I laos have a couple of Zinner German mouthpieces and a Vandoren VD3 and I use White Master 3's on all of these with a BG lig or a shoelace.
Soprano Sax- New York Meyer 5 with Java 3 or Lavoz medium. Workshop tester a Riffault with above reeds.
Alto Sax- Selmer Soloist D with Lavoz medium for lead or Java 2 1/2 small group. Workshop tester Soloist C* or S80 C* with Lavoz medium. Also a Beechler M7S with Java 2 for Altissimo work.
Tenor Sax- USA Meyer 6 rubber with Rico standard 3 for small group, big band lead or rock Berg Larsen 115/1 M metal with Lavoz medium soft. Workshop testers Otto Link metal 6* with Java 2 1/2, Beechler M6S with Lavoz ,medium soft.
Bassoon- Jones Artiste medium hard or medium and I do my own final scrape. Sometimes I use a locally made reed called a Montrose.
Oboe and Cor- These days I use Chartier medium as testers.
Baritone Sax- alas also only played when testing repairs these days. Hite J & D with Rico Royal 3 and Selmer S90 E with Rico Royal 3 1/2.
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2003-04-24 13:53
I find the glotin require alot of reed adjustment but once working are quite nice. They don't project like the V12 but I sometimes like to work in ensemble with a blended tone depending on the music. I would say they are nice reeds, but don't find them easy to adapt to. They are quite different from Vandoren cane for sure,
and I have yet to try gonzalez reeds-not available here in Canada yet.
David Dow
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2003-04-24 13:55
I have a box of Gaia 50 Glotin but have yet to open it....keep you posted what happens!
David Dow
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Author: Bradley
Date: 2003-04-24 20:05
Mr. Dow- Please email me because I want to ask a few questions and your address isnt listed. My email address is eurodesign75@hotmail.com.
Bradley
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Author: funkymunky
Date: 2003-04-24 23:39
I play with GCS 4 1/2 when i practice. Then when i perfect a piece I play with my GCS 3 1/2 or hard Lavoz. Makes playing real easy practicing with reeds to hard. Makes the softer reeds sound better too, after getting used to hard ones.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-04-25 02:17
funkymunky wrote:
> I play with GCS 4 1/2 when i practice. Then when i perfect a
> piece I play with my GCS 3 1/2 or hard Lavoz. Makes playing
> real easy practicing with reeds to hard. Makes the softer reeds
> sound better too, after getting used to hard ones.
I don't find this true. When I go from a harder reed to a softer one, I dislike the tone. It seems not as smooth or pleasing and seems to be more harsh. Maybe it's the mouthpiece though (I am supposed to use a very hard reed with my mouthpiece).
US Army Japan Band
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Author: funkymunky
Date: 2003-04-25 02:51
It depends on how soft the reed is. I think my best reeds are 4 to 3 1/2. But I also have a 2 1/2 i sometimes play it does sound harsh unless i play softer. But after playing hard you have to change embroucher a bit or else it will sound harsh. The hardest reeds sound a little stuffy thats why i like to just practice with them.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-04-25 05:38
Funky monkey,
I got that too. A while ago (about 4 months ago), playing a size 4 was WAY too hard for me. It was very stuffy like you said and I had to work so hard just to get the reed to vibrate it seemed not worth it. Now, I prefer the fours. I just went up, but I know what you mean about the change in embouchre. I played a 3.5 today (for one of the last times since I'm moving up in strength and just wanted to get as much use out of that reed as I could) and I found what you said to be pretty true. At first it was harsh and loud, but after loosening up a bit and taking into account its softness, things sounded better.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2003-04-25 11:31
La Voz MH and a Portnoy BP02 or a Stowell Wells Schneider B2. I use a modified Gigliotti ligature.
After trying all sorts of combinations, I comeback to this one that I have used for quite sometime. The Portnoy is almost 30 years old and has not been refaced or even cleaned up. I'm afraid to have anyone touch it.
Post Edited (2003-04-25 18:21)
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2003-04-25 17:17
The Hite D facing I use works well with Glotin Gaia Reeds(#4). I have yet to open the Glotin Gaia 50 box of reeds yet.
David Dow
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Author: ctt489
Date: 2003-04-25 17:24
Vandoren V12 3 (warming up before practice/or after getting back from off season)
V12 3-1/2 normally.
I am going to try the Legere synthetic reed soon. Environmentally conscience.
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Author: PJ
Date: 2003-04-26 02:58
- Custom reeds (4 - 4.5 equiv.)
- Bill Street 105 and James Kanter "A" mouthpieces
Sometimes I will use Zonda Sup. 4-M. The guy that taught me to make reeds said he now uses a Legere reed to copy in his reed machine since they last so long. Haven't tried that yet.
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Author: monique
Date: 2003-05-01 06:34
In response to David Dow re: Gonzales reeds not available in Canada try
<peter@pspriggs.com> and ask for his catalogue, he lists Gonzales FOF and 11 others. I get all my supplies from him.f
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2003-05-02 02:03
Reeds are getting some pricey these days as well....
David Dow
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Author: Redhedclrnetist
Date: 2003-05-03 23:36
Let's see, I use Vandoren V12 #3.5 because my private teacher told me to. I value her opinion, but perhaps I should do some exploring. I don't think she uses them herself; she makes her own. So far vandoren is the only brand I've used...
It *is* a matter of personal opinion, and I suppose embouchure strength as well as mouthpiece, ligature setup.
----
When people give advice about reeds, why do they tell you to use softer ones 50% of the time?
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