 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Aussie Nick
Date: 2005-04-10 15:24
Hi guys. I typically use (when I can stand them) V12 size 4's. My last batch of Gonzalez FOF reeds were both 3.75's and 4's. I didn't even open the 4's because the 3.75's were all quite firm for me. So I am about to order some 3.5's when I come across a strength comparison chart that lists the Gonzalez 3.5 as equal to V12 3.5 - this doesn't align with my observations at all and so I would like to just check up on this with other Gonzalez/V12 users.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: RosewoodClarinet
Date: 2005-04-10 15:58
Actually, I have a friend from Australia. What the person said was that humidity is very high there all the time. My concern is the weather. I am in Northern Part of the US, it gets very dry in winter, and it get very humid in summer. So, I seem like choosing different strength of reeds in different season. Even thought, I use and stick with Vndoren V12 3.5 for all seasons, I pick up different strengths within 3.5 when it is dry or when it is humid. Humidity affect reeds a lot.
Also, V12 and Gonzalez feels so different. Did you mean "firm" like hard to speak the notes??? If so, it is true in my opinion. If I play Gonzalez, I would adjust reeds diffenrently from I adjust V12, in order to speak quicker.
I thought that 3.5 Gonzalez and 3.5 Vandoren V12 are very similar strenth-wise. Feels different as I mentioned.
RosewoodClarinet
Post Edited (2005-04-13 03:06)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2005-04-10 16:11
I don't know of any of those charts which are really accurate. And I have em from Vandoren, Rico and a few others including Gonzales.
You have to experiment yourself and see what works in your climate and for your mouthpiece setup. If it sounds good, you can play your high notes properly, articulate well, and the pitch is good - it's probably the right strength for you and your setup.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2005-04-10 17:35
I use Zondas and a 10 day break in.
They seem to start out firm and get a little softer as they are broken in.
I have also noticed changes due to humidity levels.
When the relative humidity is less than 40% (during winter heating), I play about a half strength harder reed than when the humidity is above 40%.
I order 3.0H, 3.5I, and 3.5J, and keep some of each strength ready to play, so if conditions change suddenly, I will always have one right for that day.
Zonda and Gonazales use cane from the same place, so they may act similarly.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: David Peacham
Date: 2005-04-10 18:36
Different comparison charts disagree. I agree with your chart and not with you; I find the following are of comparable strength:
V12 3.5
Gonzalez FOF 3.5
Rico Evolution 3
For what it's worth (very little) my current preference among the three is for the Rico, with Gonzalez in third place.
-----------
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.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GBK
Date: 2005-04-10 18:51
In my opinion, most students that I encounter are playing on reeds which are too hard. They mistakenly think a harder reed will give a "darker" sound, when in reality it just becomes a difuse, unfocused sound.
Your reed should feel just about at its correct strength when first starting to break it in. If you are constantly taking off cane with every reed, my bet is that you are playing the wrong strength.
That being said, Gonzalez reeds (which I primarily use) are very dense and will change daily until finally stabilized. However, their initial trial should still be within a comfortable range to play.
Last year I was using Gonzalez FOF 3.5 reeds, but have recently felt that the more recent batches are running a bit harder, thus I have dropped down to 3.25.
I just hope it's not a sign of old age, on my part ![[wink]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie3.gif) ...GBK
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2005-04-10 21:13
GBK is absolutely right. The students using reeds which are too hard are the ones who often can't play softly with a clear tone and are using various lip devices as their lips are always in pain from having to bite too hard in hopes of controlling the reed.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: DavieCane01
Date: 2005-04-11 19:02
When I made up the comparison chart I knew that it would be inaccurate. It's not possible to make a chart that works for every player, in every climate and with every setup. So, it's a guide and nothing more. The best I could have hoped for was that it would be somewhat helpful. The truth is that 99% of new customers try the same size as they're already using. This is the best way to begin, because you have to figure it out for yourself.
As to batches running harder or softer, I can't be as sure there. I know for a fact that nothing ever changes in the manufacturing process. Could it be the fact that Mendoza's seasons are reversed from ours is having an effect on grading? Perhaps. It sounds logical but, again, I can't say for sure.
This is a busy week and I'll be out of the office alot, but I will answer any email you guys send.
....eventually......
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2005-04-11 19:19
For those who aren't familiar with the daviecane name, he makes the Gonzalez reed.
He's got a great website and a killer dvd on the reed making process which were given out at ClarFest.
Good stuff.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GBK
Date: 2005-04-12 02:01
DavidBlumberg wrote:
> For those who aren't familiar with the daviecane name, he makes
> the Gonzalez reed.
Phil Shapiro (Davie Cane) doesn't make the reeds, but is the primary US distributor for Gonzalez and Mozart reeds. He also sells reed blanks and cane for all single and double reed instruments.
I have spent time with Phil while in Florida - not a reed making machine in sight, but a very busy reed distibution and sales operation.
Not only is Phil a fine clarinetist who understands all aspects of playing and sound production, he is genuinely one of the nicest people in the entire music industry ...GBK
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
