 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Matt Locker
Date: 2004-03-16 12:25
For those of you who use an M15 mpc, what is your reed of choice? In previous discussions it seemed that the Black Masters were the best. Is this still the opinions of those that use this mouthpiece. What strength do you use also?
I'm curious because I still have a love/hate relationship with my M15. I've used ML Premium & regular (at 4 & 4.5 strength). I've also used VD blue box at strength 4. I have yet to try the Black Masters but am thinking it's time.
What reeds work for you with the M15?
Thanks,
Matt
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2004-03-16 13:49
I bought my M15 in December, to use with my Leblanc Concerto bought earlier the same month.
I use VD trad #3, or V.12 #3.5, or ML regular #4. My next purchase will be ML premium #4. I don't find the ML #4 a lot harder than a VD trad #3; VD trad #3.5 are a bit hard for me.
I find the V.12 give the best sound but are the most difficult to articulate. The ML are usually the easiest to play but are a bit screechy in the clarion. VD trad are in the middle.
Never tried Black Masters, nor Rue Lepic.
I play reeds out of the box; I break them in over a few days but don't adjust them.
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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: John O'Janpa
Date: 2004-03-16 15:44
I use Zonda 3.5 on the M15, or Zonda 4.0 worked down some with ATG reed finishing system.
Post Edited (2004-03-16 15:51)
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Author: John Scorgie
Date: 2004-03-16 21:03
Matt --
Vandoren claims that the M15 lay is 26 mm in length, which may be typical for a German style mpce, but which is extremely long for a French style mpce. With its extremely long lay and fairly close tip, the M15 requires a stiff reed and low pressure embouchure in order to play at its optimum.
Don't bite -- if you insist on biting on a long lay such as an M15, you might as well exhange it for a mpce with a shorter lay!
While you can play a medium reed on an M15, it will tend to close up if you try to get a big sound, and will be generally awkward to play effectively as compared to a stronger reed.
When I initially tried my M15, my Vandoren #4s were marginal in strength. The only reeds in the drawer which were strong enough were Vandoren #5 (some of which were too stiff).
In my experience, the Vandoren blue #4 which you mention is about the lightest reed which will work well with the M15.
You also mentioned trying Lurie #4 and #4 1/2. If you prefer the Lurie reeds, don't be afraid of big numbers. You might want to try a #5 or #5 1/2, since a #5 Lurie is about like an average strength #4 Vandoren blue.
If you prefer to play German style reeds such as the Vandoren Black Master, make sure that the reed is aligned properly side to side on the mpce, since the German reed is narrower than the French style reeds.
You may also have to experiment with strength, because the numbers on the Vandoren German reeds may not correspond to the numbers on the Vandoren French reeds.
Good luck and be sure to let us know what results you are getting.
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Author: Sylvain
Date: 2004-03-17 01:40
Matt,
I have been playing the M15 exclusively for the past 3 years now. My prefered reed is the V12 #4. I am not a big fan of big numbers, I find articulation becomes just really uncomfortable as the reed becomes stronger.
The thicker blank of the V12 might help with the long lay of the mouthpiece I dont know. I've tried a few other brands and Rico Grand Royal Select #4 came in second but I find these reeds simpy don't last long enough. I haven't tried the Gonzalez FOF but I heard they are good.
To be completely honest with you I don't think the M15 is the most comfortable mouthpiece, the long lay is a bit unusual and finding the right reed is tough. Nevertheless, I simply love the way its sounds and since I bought it I find my sound as gained in focus and clarity and I am able to play more with tone color.
I hope this helps!
-S
--
Sylvain Bouix <sbouix@gmail.com>
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Author: Matt Locker
Date: 2004-03-17 12:41
Thank you all for your input. I agree with Sylvain - the sound from this mpc almost makes it worth the fight to find a reed that works.
I think John is probably right about using a ML 5. I think I'll pick up a few this weekend for testing purposes. I've used a couple of the VD #4 reeds with a whisker clipped off the front. These work pretty well. I do find I need to relax my embouchure a lot to make it sound cleanly.
Thanks all.
Matt
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