 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Rev. Avery
Date: 2004-01-23 20:41
Hi,
Does anyone use the Gonzalez Mozart Reeds? If so, could you maybe contrast them with the FOF reeds?
I'm using the FOF reeds and really, really like them. Mr. Shapiro said the Mozart reeds play a little darker than the FOF reeds. (I think that's sort of what he told me. I hate misquoting folks.)
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-01-23 22:44
I have been using both Gonzalez FOF and Mozart reeds exclusively for a few years, after having said my good-byes to Vandoren after many decades.
Both the Gonzalez and Mozart reeds use the same cane (grown without herbicides or pesticides) from the plantations of Argendonax SRL, owned by the Gonzalez family in Argentina.
The Gonzalez FOF reed is made from a blank patterned loosely on the shape of the classic Morré reed. The Mozart reed is patterned after the older model Olivieri reed.
The Gonzalez reeds use a thick blank with a tip thickness of 0.10 mm. The Mozart uses a medium blank and has a tip thickness of 0.09 mm.
The Mozart reeds are sold in boxes of 12, in half size strengths.
The Gonzalez FOF are sold in boxes of 10, in quarter size strengths.
The Mozart reeds have more hand finishing and thus are limited to about 5000 boxes per year.
I would agree that the Mozart reeds may exhibit a darker, covered type of sound with less edge. Some feel that the Mozart reeds have a more complex coloration. The Gonzalez reeds are full, vibrant and you may feel that they project a bit more. At this time, both reeds are produced from cane harvested in 1998.
I have used both in concert settings (small and large venues) and both reeds perform excellently.
My choice (and perhaps yours) depends upon the particular mouthpiece chosen. If your mouthpiece tends towards brightness, you may find the Mozart reeds more to your liking. Conversely, if your mouthpiece puts forth less upper partials and tends toward a darker sound, the Gonzalez reeds may be a better match.
As always, I am certain that Phil Shapiro at Davie Cane would be more than happy to give you any additional guidance...GBK
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Author: elmo lewis
Date: 2004-01-24 18:38
¿Is a Mozart #4 the same strength as a FOF #4 or is there no relation between the numbers of the two brands? How do the Mozart's numbers relate to Vandoren's? (I bought some FOF's and they were way too hard).
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-01-24 18:50
elmo lewis wrote:
> ¿Is a Mozart #4 the same strength as a FOF #4 or is
> there no relation between the numbers of the two brands? How do
> the Mozart's numbers relate to Vandoren's?
The Mozart #4 and the Gonzalez FOF #4 are the same strength.
There is a handy reed strength comparison chart which shows Gonzalez and Mozart compared to other brands, here:
http://www.daviecane.com/Pages/FAQ.html ...GBK
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Author: Rev. Avery
Date: 2004-01-24 19:56
Author: elmo lewis (---.zone-1.dial.net.mx)
Date: 2004-01-24 18:38
(I bought some FOF's and they were way too hard).
If you get Tom Ridenour's ATG Reed system you'll never have a reed problem again :-)
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2004-01-24 20:08
I second Rev's above post. As will many others. Do a search on them. Definitely worth at least looking into.
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Clarence
Date: 2004-01-25 00:18
I going to have to take issue with the Dave Cane Reed comparison chart of the FOF 3 1/2 and Vandoren 3 1/2.
The FOF 3 1/2 and VAN 3 1/2 reeds are not the same strength right out of the box.
The typical Vandoren 3 1/2 is the same strength as a FOF 3 1/4.
I have been playing a rotation of FOF 3 1/4, 3 1/2, 3 3/4 and Vandoren 3 1/2 reeds for 4 months now. I find the VAN 3 1/2 easier to play right out of the box but lasting a shorter period of time than the FOF. The FOF may take several weeks to break in but plays every bit as good as the Van 3 1/2.
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Author: elmo lewis
Date: 2004-01-25 17:36
I checked the chart and I agree with Clarence. I used to use Vandoren 4 1/2 before they stopped selling them and the FOF 4 1/2 is jaw-breakingly, headache inducing hard. Guess I'll just keep sanding.
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