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VD vs. Gonzales and Olivieri

Author: Caco185
Date: 2006-10-08 21:08

Hey guys! I've recently bought a box of Vandoren 4's, Gonzales 3.75's, and Olivieri 4's. I have began breaking them in. The process I am using is as follows:

The first day I simply soaked the butt of the reed for 30 seconds, and the tip for 15 seconds (adding 15 seconds for the Gonzales because they seem to come from a thicker blank). After the soaking, I rub the top of the reed bark to the tip with my thumb to seal the pours. After it dries for a few minutes, pick it up an play for a minute. I continue this process for a few days adding a couple minutes to the reed each time. After 3 or 4 days I begin shavin down the thicker (stuffier) side of the reed (if there is one) and the reed begins to play quite nice.

However, in this instance... I am comparing reeds, so I took 6 vandoren, 2 gonzales and 2 olivieri. The 6 v-12s as of the second day are playing great (all 6)! The Olivieri's are a bit soft (will this change?) and the Gonzales seem just a bit stuffy.. but all seem promising..

I guess my questions are; Are Vandoren V-12s getting better, or did I just get lucky with a good box? Also.. Does anyone see anything wrong with this "breaking in process?" Am I missing an important step? Are the Olivieri and Gonzales reeds going to get better? Thanks..

I appreciate all of your comments!

Dale Huggard
Clarinet Performance Major, Michigan
Buffet R-13
Genussa Excellente
BG Tradition Ligature

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Re: VD vs. Gonzales and Olivieri

Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2006-10-19 01:36

You deffinatly need longer brake in process for the Gonzalez reeds than Vandoren. But don't adjust them yeath because I find about half of the box of Gonzalez softens after a week but also some of them strenthens after some time. I would play them for about 7-10 days before you adjust them and after you have adjusted them you need about 2 days more before play them normally.

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