The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: Wonderful reed!

Author: Roger Aldridge
Date: 2006-06-20 21:33

Hi Jim,

I adjust the tip area of a Legere exactly as it is shown in the DVD and user guide that comes with the ATG. It is extremely simple and takes less than a minute to do. You are correct, this method of adjustment goes against the recommended advice contained on the Legere web site about working on reeds. Never the less, IT WORKS.

It's been close to a year since I've played a 3 Dot. At the time, I liked it better than the regular Legere clarinet reed but not as much as the Quebec. I would describe the 3 Dot as an adjusted version of the regular cut. It's as if sanding was done along the sides of the vamp. That's as I can best remember. If you're interested in the reed it would be best to post a question about it on the Legere web site.

I, too, discovered that mouthpiece characteristics can make a big difference with Legere reeds. I have not experienced any problems with Legere on my Morgan RM28 mouthpiece on Bb clarinet or RM10 on C clarinet. However, I was not happy with Legere on my Morgan 3C tenor saxophone mouthpiece. I tried the two Legere saxophone reed cuts in various strengths. But, I did not like the quality of sound that I got with Legere on that mouthpiece. I tried different mouthpiece facings over a period of time. Finally, the ball went out of the park with a #2.5 regular cut Legere on a Morgan 6L. The combination of this reed and mouthpiece sounds really good....big, robust, vibrant dark sound. I'm quite happy with it.

I should also mention that I found that I had to use a different ligature with Legere. I had been using Francois Louis ligatures for the past 3 or so years. However, I had a problem with leakage along the side rails using an FL lig on Legere. Never had that problem with cane reeds. It seems to me that the small reed plate of the FL doesn't provide a large enough area of sealing pressure. So, I tried a selection of ligatures and got the best results with the Vandoren Master's. Now, when I do a "pop" test with my set up on clarinet and saxophone the Legere reed remains sealed for a very impressive length of time before finally popping open.

As you can see, I found that I had to make some adjustments to my set up in order to get the best results with Legere reeds. However, since I double so much it was DEFINITELY worth it. I first tried Legere to see if the reeds would be of help in doubling situations (ie, reeds drying out). Legere has been a huge help in that respect. But, once I became comfortable with them and fine-tuned my set up I discovered that I really like the tonal qualities and response of the Quebec clarinet reed and the regular cut Legere saxophone reed.

Roger

Post Edited (2006-06-20 21:40)

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics