 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Caco185
Date: 2006-10-06 05:42
I'm just wondering which most players prefer.. Gonzales regular cut reeds or the Gonzales FOF reeds? and why?
Also, does anyone find these reeds extremely difficult to "break-in?"
I really need to learn more about that, because if a reed sounds like crap after a few days.. I usually just throw it away! I'm so happy to find this board!
Dale Huggard
Clarinet Performance Major, Michigan
Buffet R-13 - Silver plated
Genussa Excellente
Spriggs Floating Rail Ligature
Vandoren V12 #4
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2006-10-06 10:40
I've only used the FoF. Yes, they take a lot of breaking in compared to Rico Evolution, which are the other reeds I use. I like the sound they give, but they are harder work.
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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.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2006-10-06 14:58
It has always seemed to me that the Gonzales cane is somewhat more porous and less dense. It may be those qualities that take it longer to settle in.
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Author: J B Lansing
Date: 2006-10-06 15:52
I have to say that I was disapointed in Gonzales reeds. I normally play #3 V12s and based upon comments on this board I got some 3 1/4 Gonzales. They seem very stuffy and hard to get to speak. I have tried thinning them using Reed Rush and it seem s to help, but none every got as responsive as the V12s. I guess I don't understand because the Gonzales seem to get very high marks here from some very knowledgeable players.
J B Lansing
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2006-10-06 20:56
JBL - I sometimes play FoF, and I use 3.25. I no longer use V12s, but when I did I used 3.5.
Seems to me you should try a softer FoF; 3 or 2.75 maybe. FoF are good, but I tend to use them more for private practice than for band because I find them harder work and more temperamental than Evolutions. In band I just want to slap on a reed and play for a couple of hours without problems and without exhaustion.
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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.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2006-10-06 21:40
In the past I have used a combination of Gonzalez FOF and Gonzalez Regular Cut reeds. Lately though I have been playing only the Regular Cut reeds.
(For those who need a reference point: The dimensions of the Gonzalez FOF reeds would be comparable to V12 reeds, while the Gonzalez Regular Cut reeds would be comparable to the Vandoren Blue Box reeds)
The Gonzalez Regular Cut reeds are built on a thin blank template, with no tapering toward the butt end of the reed. The blank thickness is similar (or perhaps even a bit thicker), than a Vandoren Blue Box blank (2.8mm) The reeds are single cut (one scrape) with a pronounced U shaped cut on the bark - as opposed to a flatter shaped bark cut which the FOF reeds have. The difference in the U shaped scrape is similar to what you would see when comparing a V12 and a Blue Box reeds, although those brands are both file cut type reeds. When compared to an FOF type reed, the tip curve is identical, but the blank does not taper to the butt end, and the reed is slightly longer. The tip thickness is .10mm ( Vandoren Blue Box is .085mm)
One aspect of the Regular Cut reeds which I like is that the initial scrape starts slightly higher up on the reed, thus making them an ideal match for those not using a mouthpiece with a very long facing.
If you play a medium length facing these reeds should be ideal. I also like the fact that these reeds seem to break in a bit quicker than the FOF's, but last as long, or in some cases, even longer.
If you play a set up which favors a fast reed response, the Regular Cut reeds may be something to consider trying.
Disclaimer - I am listed on the Gonzalez and Davie Cane websites as an artist/endorser ...GBK
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Author: myrnabs
Date: 2006-10-07 03:08
I have always used V12's, and the professor with whom I study seems strict on that. But I recently tried out the FOF's, and I was hooked. To me it didn't seem like trouble at all to break in. And they seem to last a long time. The professor was amazed with the sound. He's actually switching as well. I recommend them 100%, but it all boils down to personal preference.
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Author: rc_clarinetlady
Date: 2006-10-07 06:14
I find the Gonzalez FOF.'s a little harder to play and break in than Vandorens. I had read the same things you did on this board about some people thinking they were softer than Vandorens and I couldn't believe what I was reading. I usually play Vandoren V 12 4's and have to play FOF's in a 3 1/2. I do like their sound and they last a long time.
Try the Mozart reeds too. They're wonderful and I found them to be a little more consistent than the FOF's. Beautiful sound. I believe they're the premium grade of Gonzalez. I'm not altogether sure about that but I think so. Someone else may know this better than I.
Rebecca
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Author: myrnabs
Date: 2006-10-07 06:32
Rebecca,
What exactly is the Mozart reed?? When we talk about the FOF's you mean the hand select FoF's right? They come in a green box? Those are the ones I find a little soft. I too have played V12's size 4 for a little over a year now, and I find the 4's FOF's a little soft. But I'm curious about these Mozart, but I can't find them anywhere.
Myrna
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Author: GBK
Date: 2006-10-07 06:42
myrnabs wrote:
> Rebecca,
> What exactly is the Mozart reed??
Mozart reeds
Mozart and Gonzalez FOF reeds are both made on a thick blank template (approx. 3.15 mm). Both blanks taper back from the tip to the heel of the reed (like the older Morre/Olivieri type reeds).
The Gonzalez FOF tip is approximately 0.10 mm and the Mozart tip is approximately 0.11 mm.
Both reeds use the same cane and have the same initial scrape starting at the bark, but the Gonzalez reeds seem (to me) to have a bit more wood in the heart and shoulders of the reed.
Gonzalez FOF reeds are graded in 1/4 stength sizes and are 10 to a box. Mozart reeds are graded in 1/2 strength sizes and are 12 to a box.
There are a number of hand finishing steps taken in the production of Mozart reeds, thus the number of boxes produced (3000 - 5000 per year) is far fewer than the Gonzalez FOF.
Now the bad news - The rumor I have heard is that Gonzalez manufacturing (Argentina) is discontinuing the Mozart reed.
Disclaimer - I am listed on the Gonzalez and Davie Cane websites as an artist/endorser ...GBK
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Author: rc_clarinetlady
Date: 2006-10-07 07:10
Thanks for all the info GBK. I didn't know all that about the Mozarts. I've only played out one box of them but I broke them in slowly and loved them. I still play a couple of them and they were ordered last spring.
Why is Gonzalez discontinuing them? I'm assuming they aren't big sellers and that's why they're stopping production. Do you know if they are still available right now?
Rebecca
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Author: Kel
Date: 2007-03-06 17:05
How do Gonzalez Regular Cut and Zonda compare?
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