 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: psychotic lil clarinet girl (don't as
Date: 2004-08-07 02:50
I play on Vandoren size 3 V12 reeds... I don't exactly think they're the best reeds in the world, because half of them will sound good, and the other half are crappy... Any suggestions on other brands, sizes, etc...??? I really would like your opinions because I don't wanna go out and buy a bunch of crappy reeds just to try them out... thanks...
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Author: Contra
Date: 2004-08-07 03:16
The V12's seem to have been going downhill recently. It makes me glad I bought a bunch of them a long time ago.
Try Mitchell Luries. I had a lot of luck with those. They lasted a long time and gave me a great sound.
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Author: psychotic lil clarinet girl (don't as
Date: 2004-08-07 03:27
thanks... there's this freshmen clarinet player that plays on mitchell luries, and he sounds pretty good... So, I think I might give them a try... I just need more opinions to back that up...
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Author: Bnatural
Date: 2004-08-07 03:45
I also used mitchell luries for a long time, they play quite well on mouthpieces suited to them (don't ask me what ones those are I just know that they didn't play near as well on my new mouthpiece)
I also bought a bunch of boxes of the V12s. My experience has been w/ the newer ones that if you leave sit in a drawer or something (make a pile of your boxes or whatever you like) they improve greatly.
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2004-08-07 04:09
Try buying a couple boxes of V12s, opening them, and letting them sit for a year or so.
Also, in addition to my V12 3.5s, I've had some luck with the Vandoren 56 3.5+ and the Gonzalez 3.5... they're all roughly in the same hardness vicinity.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: pewd
Date: 2004-08-07 05:40
Many would argue 5 good ones out of a box of 10 is outstanding....
And everyone here will probably use a different reed, ligature, mouthpiece, etc.... You just have to experiment sometimes.
If you're still on #3's try going up to 3.5's - blue box, not the V12's ; depends a lot on your mouthpiece.
I've had a lot of trouble with the V12's lately too. Good advice on letting them sit a year. Meantime, the blue box Vandorens have been working better for me lately. I tend to let those sit around awhile too - 2-6 months usually. And every once in awhile I get a bad box - nothing works in the entire box. Cane quality control discussions have been beaten to death - we really dont want to go there...
Or try Gonzales #3.25 or 3.50. They are pretty consistent, once you find the correct strength. You will have to experiment a bit. Do you have a private teacher who can give you a few to try out? If not, i'd probably try the 3.25's first, depending on your mouthpiece.
If you're going to be marching starting soon, try a Legere.
Also, do you do anything to finish the reeds? Sandpaper the back a bit, make sure they're flat? Store them in a good reedguard, etc?
good luck.
-pewd
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
Post Edited (2004-08-07 05:43)
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2004-08-07 08:59
i've tried a lot of different brands (including vandoren v12) and always at least 7-8 are good. sometimes there will be 1 bad reed (or in rare cases 2) in each box.
anyway, if you want a recommendation then my favorite were grand concert, marca, and gonzalez.
oh, and 'psychotic lil clarinet girl (don't ask)'. well i'm asking
Post Edited (2004-08-07 09:00)
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Author: kdennyclarinet
Date: 2004-08-07 15:14
In my experience, the Mitchel Lurie reeds tend to be a bit thin sounding. The heart of the reed is not as thick as the V12's. However, as mentioned above, the mouthpiece is a huge factor in this matter.
As far as the discussion on "good" and "bad" reeds, I used to agree. I would think there was only one or two good reeds in a box (of any brand) until I learned the art of reed adjustment. Now, I can get 9 out of 10 reeds in a box to at least be of use to me. I pretty much follow the ideals that Ridenour uses in his book "The Educator's Guide to the Clarinet" along with advice from my teachers along the way.
The main thing is finding out if your reed is balanced or not. This has to do with how thick each "ear" of the tip of the reed is. You can test this by feeling each ear for physical resistance or by testing the reed by tilting the mouthpiece to one side (dampening one ear while playing) to test how each ear responds. If one side sounds fuzzier than the other, then it is the side that is too thick. Therefore wood from that side needs to be removed. I use 600 grit sandpaper to make adjustments. Make sure that you make adjustments to the cut side of the reed and not the flat side and try to go with the grain of the wood as you use the sandpaper. After you remove just a bit of material, test it with your finger and then by playing on each side again. When the ears match in sound quality and resistance, you have balanced the reed. A balanced reed makes all the difference in your playing.
FYI, I used V12s for years until recently. I've been experimenting with the Vandoren 56 Rue Lepics and have been pleased so far. I tried the Gonzalez reeds for a while too but was disappointed in how they did not seem to hold up for very long (for me anyway). I have also been pleased with the Opera reeds. Finally, I keep a couple of Legere reeds on hand mostly for when I'm teaching or when I'm having a bad reed day. The Legere reeds have come a long way, but IMHO, they are not as good as a "good" wood reed. They tend to sound a bit "whiney" in the upper register and I'm not able to articulate with the kind of clear staccato I can get on a wood reed. These differences are subtle, but I'm very picky.
With all of that said, regardless of brand, minor adjustments usually have to be made to any wood reed. Reeds are made of wood and wood changes... even from day to day.
best of luck,
K. Denny
BME, MM, DMA
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Author: Camanda
Date: 2004-08-07 15:33
I use Mitchell Lurie size 3 1/2 on a Vandoren 5RV ) mouthpiece, and they sound very good. They also worked well on my friend Danni's mouthpiece (Vandoren 5RV Lyre) when she was using them. I have to sand the backs a little, and clip off the ends of some of them, but I get my money's worth.
Amanda Cournoyer
URI Clarinet Ensemble, Bass Clarinet
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Author: Firebird
Date: 2004-08-07 16:02
Maybe you ought to try Zonda. It works well with my RM-15 mouthpiece. Zonda has a more consistent cut, and gives a darker sound `cause of its cut.
Chan
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Author: psychotic lil clarinet girl (don't as
Date: 2004-08-07 22:58
I might try the regular vandorens size three... They're cheaper, and I hope they last longer... Yes, marching band has started, this is part of the reason why I'm asking... I went through 5 or 6 new reeds during band camp last week... They are now all warped out... I don't use sandpaper, but I should just go down to home depot and get some... That would save me some money... Usually in a box of 10, I get about 3 good reeds, 4 decent reeds, and 3 crappy reeds... A good reed, is one that is responsive(haha) and I can tongue well on without squeaking or sounding airy... As far as my screen name goes, I already explained it in a previous thread... haha... if you're that curious then just pull it up and check it out...
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Author: Karel
Date: 2004-08-08 02:11
Psychotic little one, for a person who asks a lot of question you are not very good at giving answers. I seem to remember in one of your previous posts you say that you know a subject has been discussed many times before but you don't want to have to go through the archives for the answers, so you just asked again. So how about it?
Karel.
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Author: psychotic lil clarinet girl (don't as
Date: 2004-08-08 02:30
"hehe... First of all, it describes me to a T... I over practice a lot... So I consider myself psychotic... Although I'm sure there are other psychos out there that practice as much as I do... But usually kids my age aren't practicing nearly as much as I am, but instead having a life... Which sadly, my life is clarinet, not that there's anything wrong with that... I just need a little more of a life... While other kids are talking I'm practicing, and I've called myself a psycho ever since... haha... oh well...
Mary"
that is what I posted... in fact this guy with a Ph.D. e-mailed me asking me to change my name... not sure why, I think it suits me... of course I'm weird... I do ask a lot of questions, but that's because I'm a beginner... It is sort of a joke in some ways, and sort of not... but oh well... Anyways, I don't wanna get off subject again... REEDS HATE ME... THEY ARE OUT TO GET ME!!!!!!! Seriously, I tried 4 brand new vandoren size 3 V12's in one day, and they all sounded fuzzy... I'm thinking of starting my own website called the reed conspiracy... That would be mildly entertaining to some ppl... EVIL REEDS!!!!!! Reeds, slowly but surely are starting to frustrate ppl to their own deaths... grrr.... BEWARE!!!!!
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Author: Contra
Date: 2004-08-08 03:51
These little reeds are nothing. Try finding quality contra alto reeds when the only available option is Rico.
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Author: kdennyclarinet
Date: 2004-08-08 23:08
Mary,
I can understand how you might be hesitant to to sit down and be detailed in adjusting reeds that will be used on the field (but learning the technique will save you during concert season). During marching season, most students just want a reed they can count on to "work" and that will allow them to project as much as possible. A lot of students around here (AR) prefer to use the Legere reeds during marching season. They last "forever" and you don't have to worry about them drying out. It would be worth looking in to. I've had the one I use now for over four years. However, as I mentioned in my previous post, IMHO, they are not as good as a really good wood reed... but they are definitely useful on the field (as a back up reed, as a practice reed, as a teaching reed, or outdoor gig reed, etc, etc, etc). Gotta cover myself here.
K. Denny
BME, MM, DMA
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Author: William
Date: 2004-08-09 16:37
Another vote, as well, for using a Legere reed in marching band. Try a regular cut, 3.0 for starters. They come in 1/4 sizes so you can go up or down from there. Cost about $16.50 in my town, but the "good news" is that once you find "the one", it will last indefinately--and will even play if slightly damaged.
As for cane, I use V12s, 3.5s with good results, usually being able to play 8 out of ten reeds from every box. My break in process is too play an entire box of reeds, each one for about five minutes only. Saliva moistening only with a rub down prior to trial. I then place the reeds on a glass and leave them to dry for at least two days, at which time I repeat the moistening/rub down routine with another five minute trial. This time, I select those that I think may be "good" ones and place them in a slightly differernt position for future reference, but again, place all the reeds back on the glass for another two day (or longer) drying period. All this time, I am using reeds that have already been broken in, etc, for my practice and concert needs. But when my "main line" reeds (usually twelve) finally die, I discard them and select replacements from the reeds curing on my drying glass.
I find that the reeds on my drying glass will tend to change as they cure. A reed that may not play well at first, may completely change after a couple of weeks of curing--and frequently become my best reeds. I never play a reed straight out of the box. Even one that might play perfectly (LOL) right away, will tend to wear out quickly and not last if played too long and too soon without first curing. To help me balance the reeds for my Kaspar #14 mpc, I use a Reed Wizard and/or a reed knife.
Recomendation(s): Moisten (I use saliva only) each reed and rub down the vamp each (and every) time before playing. Play each new reed for only five minutes (or less) and then let it dry for two days (or more) on a glass. Retest each reed a couple of times (or more) before selecting it for practice or concert use. Never use a brand new reed, "straight out of the box", for concert or practice. Learn to balance your selected reeds for optimum performance on your mouthpiece. All of my reeds speak easily on all notes from low E3 up through high C7 and are capable of a good forte sound. When the reed loses that ability or losses its endurance, I toss it and replace it.
Try the Legere reed for marching and for some practice sessions. You may find them suitable for full time use. Some very good clarinetists that I know are using them exclusively for all of their playing needs. I remain, however, "hooked" to cane--the V12s, in particular.
Hope this helps a bit, Psycho. Always fun to "reed" your postings. BTW, I've had 63 B-days, and am still wishing for that "good" reed. Good luck!!!
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Author: psychotic lil clarinet girl (don't as
Date: 2004-08-09 17:34
Haha, thanks for the info... Ever since I've started I've ALWAYS played reeds straight out of the box... I never thought about letting them sit out and rest for a while... haha... Poor poor reeds must hate me... I've tortured them... oh well, I now know this for future reference..
As for the legere's, I think I'm gonna get one for my b-day.. hehe... I went to the website to get information on it, and I heard the comparison between a Legere and a Cane reed... I THINK I'M IN LOVE!!!!!! Hehe... No more wasting perfectly good reeds on marching band... hehe.. My mom is sick of how many times she has to go down to the music store and buy reeds every month anyways... WOW! 63 b-days and you are still wishing... I'll need all the luck I can get!!! HAHAHAHA!!!!!! LOL! Thanks again...
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Author: jmsa
Date: 2004-08-09 17:49
I have tried many different reeds and I have discovered that the Vandoren Hand Select reeds are the best. They are worth the extra money. Also Tom Ridenours ATG system is superb for proper preparation.
jmsa
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Author: Bob Schwab
Date: 2004-08-09 18:37
A note on my personal experience with Legere reeds.
I normally play #3 GCS reeds. I found the #3 Legere slightly harder. You may want to consider a Legere reed that's 1/4 softer than you normally play because there's no breaking in and/or softening up a Legere. What you pull out of the packaging is what you've got. Just a thought.
They do feel funny on my tongue. Instead of a rough cane surface there's this smooth plastic surface.
And finally, since they're clear, you can see the moisture (read saliva) on the mouthpiece side of the reed. The reed does not absorb it but lets it run down inside the clarinet. I know that happens anyway, but I'm sure at least some of the moisture is absorbed to some degree by the cane in your typical reed.
I still like cane better but I can see where the Legere's have their place. For starters, I keep my clarinet assembled on a peg. With a Legere reed my clarinet is ready anytime I want to pick it up and play.
Bob Schwab
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Author: clarinetdaddy
Date: 2004-08-12 05:44
Hello, I have been using the Legere reeds and I rotate between four of them. I have been using them now for two years. Yes, all four of them for two years. They seem to never wear down. They will but for now they are still working good. They also work in all weather conditions. For wood reeds I bought a new reed that Vandoren has come up with. I think they are called 56. Sorry I don't have the box with me at this posting. They work good. I get all of the box to play well. But I haven't seen them on any stores as of yet. I bought them from the Music Messa here in Germany.
Good Luck, Miles
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Author: Rachel
Date: 2004-08-13 05:46
I play Rico Grand Concert Evolution, size 3 1/2. I usually get at least 6-7 excellent reeds out of a box, as well as another one or two good ones.
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Author: psychotic lil clarinet girl (don't as
Date: 2004-08-13 06:01
Cool... I think I've decided on the Legere's for marching band... I'm gonna stick to my Vandorens for concert band... I just never broke them in properly, which is why they warp so quickly... But thanks for all of y'alls advice, keep it coming...
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