 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Scott
Date: 2005-06-13 00:11
Anyone have an opinion on synthetic reeds?
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Scott Beard
Celebration Orchestra
Post Edited (2005-06-14 03:44)
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Author: John Stackpole
Date: 2005-06-13 00:39
I'm happy with my Legere reeds - but I am only a beginner so don't take me as gospel.
I figure one less variable to contend with (along with mouthpiece, ligature, barrel, brand, material, &c., &c., not to mention ability and where my tongue goes) could only help.
They were very good in inviting me (and all other purchasers) to "trade in" until you find the strength reed that fits my current embrochure abilities.
JDS
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Author: clarinetist04
Date: 2005-06-13 01:04
From what I understand, they're very difficult to adjust, however, I have heard of them working in certain case. Obviously they're not "sandable" and "cuttable" like wood reeds.
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Author: Carol Dutcher
Date: 2005-06-13 02:04
Supposedly you can adjust them to your liking by using a razor blade to "work on the edges." So far, this has not been workable for me. I got one that was too hard and one that was too soft. I wasted $12 on each one.
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Author: bflatclarinetist
Date: 2005-06-13 02:28
Carol has a point and clarinetist have a point, however my teacher has a collegue that uses legere reeds and noted that she sounds really good on them. My teacher asked her about them and she said apparently you have to have the "right" embouchure for them. Which doesn't make sense..
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Author: Brenda
Date: 2005-06-13 03:28
These aren't intended to be adjusted, that's why you need to communicate with Mr. Legere to find one that's the right strength. You're money's not wasted, it's not like buying cane reeds at the local music store. He needs to know what setup you're using and what brand and strength you usually use in order to better match his reed to your needs.
These are awfully nice to have stored away in the clarinet case "just in case", when all the other reeds don't deliver - hot sticky days, switching instruments, for big bass clarinet mouthpieces, and so forth.
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Author: Gandalfe
Date: 2005-06-13 03:41
Although I prefer cane, I like the fact that synthetics don't need to be kept wet to play when I'm doubling. Since I'm an intermediate player I probably am not as descriminating as most pros. I have used Legere and Plasticovers with satisfaction. So far, no one has noticed a difference in my sound as the result of moving to synthetic reeds for everything except my primary instrument, the alto sax.
Jim and Suzy
Pacifica Big Band
Seattle, Washington
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Author: Karel
Date: 2005-06-13 04:05
I have seen advice some time ago that one can soften Legere reeds by 1/4 by dipping the tip into hot water (just off boil), but do not recall the length of time needed for this.
Karel.
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Author: clarinetmaniac101
Date: 2005-06-13 06:51
my opinion in the synthetic reeds is not all the positive there are some ups and alot downs, but lets get to the point sythetic reeds are good because for one you donot have to soak them. And they are washable and they can be sterilized as not to worry about someones germs. But the cons are they don't and I mean don't belong in the classical genre I has dose not have the right timbre for the classical pieces. Now they are good for Jazz but you can still use the vandoren V12 for those as well and for classical and that is what I recommend coming from a experineced clarinet player but like I said there are some ups and downs but they are not recommend by professionals.
Rashad
*clarinet
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Author: Wes
Date: 2005-06-13 07:28
Trying them at a NAMM show about 5 years ago showed me that they can play very well, almost as good as cane, in my opinion. However, I have no expectations of using them myself. In this fairly damp climate, wetting the reeds takes very little time. To me, the cane V12 reeds are easy to adjust. A problem with Legere reeds that some people see them as a panacea to solve their reed problems and use them too long, playing quite out of tune in the process. I don't know how to tell them my opinion as it is usually none of my business what reed they use.
The Rico Plasticover reeds have worked well for a long time but are a little bright for treble instruments, I think. They often are good for a baritone or bass saxophone but I prefer cane reeds on all other saxes. Good luck!
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2005-06-13 10:15
The "cut" of the reed (relatively thicker or thinner under the ligature) helps to achieve a proper fit to various mouthpiece curves.
I find that with a medium to long facing, the "Quebec" profile is fuller in sound.
I find that the "standard" profile is more responsive.
I find the "Studio" profile on saxophone mouthpieces to be most responsive, but difficult to control dynamically.
The fact is that even these will wear out (it's like a spring) but should outlast natural cane 10:1 (hence the price).
You need not soak or sand these - they play pretty much the same after 5 minutes warming in your pocket. I NEVER have needed to trim mine.
If you need that last scintilla of performance that only natural cane can provide, save them for solo work... these will be terrific for practice, ensemble and larger band settings.
Oh yeah, they don't dry out while you're doubling either!
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2005-06-13 13:21
Legere reeds CAN be adjusted with a reed knife, as long as you scrape in ONE DIRECTION ONLY (from the heel to the tip, NOT in the other directions). I don't use them as my primary reeds, but I have one for each of my clarinets and saxes as a handy backup, or for multi-doubling jobs (shows or big band), or for outdoor concerts.
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Author: Kel
Date: 2005-06-13 14:21
As Gandalfe pointed out, synthetics can be a lifesaver for doublers. Our swing band charts call for me to play alto and tenor saxes about 95% of the time. I use Fibracell on clarinet to keep it ready for that other 5%. The Fibracell seems to work uncommonly well with a Hite Premier. I prefer cane, but have an even stronger preference for a reed I can count on to play after sitting on the stand for 45 minutes.
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Author: BassetHorn
Date: 2005-06-13 14:50
Great advise so far. Just to add that the Legere reeds are by no means indestructible. Durable yes, but not indestructible.
While switching instruments (Bb to Eb contras), I accidentally dropped the mouthpiece/lig/reed on the carpeted floor, unfortunately the tip hit the floor straight on and HARD (the mouthpiece is pretty heavy), and the reed was damaged. It suffered a cut/split of 0.5 cm at the tip and was immediately ruined.
If it had hit the floor at a different angle, it might have been OK. But well... ($20 bucks down the toilet)
So be careful.
Otherwise, I have been very happy with Legeres. They are my primary reeds for the contras.
Thanks.
Willy
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Author: clarinetfellow
Date: 2014-06-17 03:14
I have recently purchased Plasticover synthetic reeds and didn't know what to expect. Bought them on a whim. Actually liked them quite well. Surprised actually!!
cf
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Author: kilo
Date: 2014-06-17 12:35
Remember, though, that Plasticovers are not really synthetic reeds — they're cane with a polymer coating. They do work well for many people but they're only as good as the underlying cane reed.
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Author: clarinetfellow
Date: 2014-06-17 19:15
Kilo;
Didn't know that but yes, now that you brought it to my attention, I do see the cane facing. Thank you for the education in this matter. I seemed to be able to more easily hit the higher register with more consistency and ease. I have this coupled with a Clark Fobes Debut MP which appear (at least now) to be my best combination. I own several MPs (Vandoren 5RV, 45, 40, and a few others but this combo seems to allow me to play more notes on a more consistent basis. I am fairly new to clarinet playing only a couple years. Thanks for your education here.
cf
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