 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Graham Elliott
Date: 2000-01-17 14:53
I am trying out some new reeds, and would be grateful for any comments on Zonda reeds, as they are occasionally mentioned on this bulletin board.
In particular I would like to know which of the mainstream brands they are closest to in sound and behaviour (e.g. are they similar to Michell Lurie, or to Grand Concert, say).
Please give impressions of their characteristics in the area of dynamic range, where they sit on the reedy v. hollow tonal characteristic line, whether prone to squeaks chirps etc., whether they can stay consistent over long playing times, whether the quality of each reed is consistent etc.
Thanks
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dave Spiegelthal
Date: 2000-01-17 18:45
I've tried them (and use them sometimes) for both B-flat and bass clarinets, and if I had to synopsize, I'd say they're sort of like a cross between Olivieris and Vandorens, but a bit less prone to squeaking/chirping than the former, and more consistent than the latter.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Nicole Y.
Date: 2000-01-17 21:18
Like Marcas but ummm...they're just a little less likable for me. I don't know how to explain it. You should go try them. They're really reliable. But I just like Marca Traditionals better.
The Freshman,
Nicole Y.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: mark weinstein
Date: 2000-01-17 22:37
IMO, they are very similar to Van Doren V12's --- the life span of the Zonda's seems to be a little bit shorter. In any event, the Zonda reeds are decent, good quality reeds.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2000-01-18 00:47
There are two Zondas.Ordinary(MORRE profile) whose heel is very thick (about 3.2mm), and Zonda classic,which they started to sell recently and brighter tonality(I guess).
The superb quality of their cane is conspicuous,when you look at the heel. Present big names reeds have larger pores,they are like sponge.Zonda,on the other hand,has denser pore distribution.This is very natural,since they use AUNDO DONAX, the best cane species in the world although they grow up in Argentine not in Frenc Var region.
As far as I know only another reed,which uses AUNDO DONAX,is Alexander Superial.
As to Orivieri,it was very good when I used them around 1976.Unhappily,their owner changed since then. I guess those who use Orivieris,such as Franklin Cohen, use not present Orivieri but aged old Orivieris.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2000-01-18 01:21
Arundo Donax is the species used for all clarinet reeds; however, like fine grapes, quality depends on the age, soil and weather.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Joanne
Date: 2000-01-18 02:32
I've recently switched to Zonda 4s from Vandoren 3.5s. On first playing, I didn't like the sound as much as a good Vandoren (a little reedier, if that makes any sense), but after a few minutes, I got used to the new sound. I've been rotating through a box of 5, and they are consistent enough to do that without any scraping, sanding, etc. I used to have the bad habit of using one reed every day, until it gave up on me, then scrambling to find another similar one. The improved consistency may be due to breaking in a whole box at a time, rather than finding my favourite and sticking to it, as much as to the cane itself! I don't know about reed life - I haven't put many hours on the Bb lately. I haven't been able to get my hands on Zonda's for bass yet, but if anyone can point me in the right direction I would appreciate it...
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dee
Date: 2000-01-18 03:24
Joanne wrote:
-------------------------------
... I've been rotating through a box of 5, and they are consistent enough to do that without any scraping, sanding, etc. I used to have the bad habit of using one reed every day, until it gave up on me, then scrambling to find another similar one. The improved consistency may be due to breaking in a whole box at a time, rather than finding my favourite and sticking to it, as much as to the cane itself!
-------------------------------
I have always advocated rotating through a significant number of reeds. My rotation is a box of 10. Part of the perceived consistency may also be that you are more easily able to adapt to slight variations in the reed since you don't get "stuck" on one particular reed's characteristics. You make the adjustment subconsciously on the first note or two and just don't notice the differences.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Donn
Date: 2000-01-19 22:16
Dee: Do you have trouble when rotating reeds remembering which one you used last? I do :^)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Dee
Date: 2000-01-20 00:34
Not really. For one thing if I lose track, I don't worry about it anyway. Plus I have two different tricks that I use to keep a reasonable rotation schedule.
Trick one:
If I am using the little plastic cases (the slide in ones like Vandoren not the "folding" ones like Mitchell Lurie) and the original box, I simply make sure the box is facing me, then take the reed out from the right end of the box and put it back into the left end of the box. The rotation is then a "no brainer."
Trick two:
I usually use reed holders. Each spot on the reed hold has a number from 0 through 9 on it. I use the reed that has a number corresponding to the last digit of the day of the month. For example, reed #1 gets played on the 1st, 11th, and 21st of the month. On a 31 day month, I just pick any reed at random for the 31st. Now I have to admit I don't practice every day but I still pick the reed that "matches" the day number. I figure that it will average out in the end.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Donn
Date: 2000-01-20 13:41
I'm going to use your trick #1. Instead of filling the holder up with new reeds, I'll just leave an empty space.
Thanks very much. Your advice very good, as always.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
