 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Klarinet
Date: 2008-08-27 15:10
I'd like to change my reeds from Vandoren Classic (3 or 3.5) to Gonzales RC. I've been struggling with my reeds ever since I got a new clarinet, about the same time Vandoren started with their new flowpacks. So, I don't really know were the problem comes from: the combination of my Selmer Signature and Vandoren B40 or those all but enviromental friendly reed packings.
Does anyone have good or bad experiences with Gonzales reeds?
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2008-08-27 15:26
"Gonzales" and "Vandoren" have the same number of letters in their names, so the reeds should play identically.
Regardless of anyone's opinions, you won't know until you try them. So try them and make your own decision.
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Author: redkel
Date: 2008-08-27 16:23
I've been playing on Gonzales reeds for about 5 years now and out of all the boxes I've purchased -- maybe one was not playable and needed tweaked.
The 1/4 sizes are a plus.
You'll like them.
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Author: CWH
Date: 2008-08-27 16:28
Good Morning,
I just stared experimenting with Grand Concert Select Thick Blank reeds, more specifically #3, 3.5 and 4. I can honestly tell you that I have found them to be very consistent and need little if any adjusting. Personally, I like playing a hard reed and so far I’m gravitating towards the 3.5 and 4. I have found they play on the hard side, so be cautious on your selection. I would also say they require a little more break-in time, but the rewards are well worth it. I also purchase several boxes of Gonzales FOF and Regular cut, all in the same strength as the GCS. Once I finsh evaluating the GCS, I'll move to the Gonzales reeds.
I will say the for the GCS, I do break them in slowly and over several short playing sessions. Additionally, prior to playing I seal the vamp and bottom table using a glass plate and copy paper.
So far I am very pleased with the results.
FYI-ProWinds.com has a great selection and price.
CWH
Study, Practice, Play and Enjoy.
Post Edited (2008-08-31 14:47)
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Author: marshall
Date: 2008-08-27 17:21
My only complaint with Gonzales reeds is the fact that they are probably the only reed company that is more inconsistant in quality than Vandoren (from my experience at least).
My favourite thing about Gonzales reeds is the fact that the FOF's line up with my Ched perfectly.
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2008-08-27 17:41
Hi, I'm using Gonzalez. I would suggest you try 3 1/4 or 3 1/2. Also suggest the ATG reed system. Regarding David's comment , I would agree that there are the same number of letters.
Freelance woodwind performer
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Author: Ed
Date: 2008-08-27 19:08
I know many like the Gonzalez reeds. I have tried various strengths and cuts. I have not had any success or cared for the results that I have gotten from them. I did not have great results and the reeds did not last long at all. I have found that Vandorens work much better for me and my set up. I have also had good luck with Grand Concert thick blank reeds.
Reeds (as well as mouthpieces, barrels, instruments, etc) can be a very personal thing. You need to find out what works best for you.
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2008-08-27 19:34
For me reeds are not very personal. As it turns out thousands of people use the same kind of reed as I do and even more people play the same brand of instrument that I use. Unique I'm not.
Freelance woodwind performer
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Author: Ed
Date: 2008-08-27 21:02
Arnold writes:
"For me reeds are not very personal. As it turns out thousands of people use the same kind of reed as I do and even more people play the same brand of instrument that I use."
While I am sure there are many in this world who may wear the same shoe size that I do, I am sure that suggesting everyone try to wear the same size I wear may not work.
;-)
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2008-08-27 23:03
I used Gonzalez for a couple of years in college and did some of my most successful performances and auditions on them! They're wonderful reeds, consistent, great sound, high quality.
These days I am on a different mouthpiece and am back to Vandoren but I look back at my time on Gonzalez as the golden years.
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2008-08-27 23:10
i know three studio musicians that use them exclusively.
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
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Author: skennedy
Date: 2008-08-28 02:21
I found them (Gonzalez) to be ok for practice, but a good V12 beats them by a mile. I use a B40 lyre.
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2008-08-28 02:21
I have had no luck at with Gonzales reeds at all.. I find they tend to wear out or die much quicker than vandoren cane.
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Author: Klarinet
Date: 2008-08-28 07:39
I find that the Vandoren V12 reeds don't work at all for me. They give this really airy sound and I can't seem to find the right tonguing technique to make them sound acceptable in staccato.
I think I've heard it before, that Gonzales reeds 'die' quicker. But if you can use almost every reed in a box, what have you got to loose? When I use Vandoren 3.5, I play 1/10 (2 if I'm really lucky) and it lasts about two or three weeks. When I use 3, I might find 4 good reeds, but they wear out after a week or so.
So, most of you have good opinions about Gonzales. Makes them sound as if they are worth trying.
Any more thoughts about the tone color of Gonzales reeds? And what about the differences between Gonzales FOF and RC? Is FOF really worth the price?
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Author: stebinus
Date: 2008-08-28 14:21
I've had pretty good luck with Vandoren v-12s. Been using 3's and 3.5's for years. A few years back I bought a box of Gonzalez 3.25's expecting miracles. Tried 2. They were ridiculously hard and I never could get them to work.
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Author: nenad
Date: 2008-08-28 21:20
Hi. Matching mouthpiece, ligature and reed has become a quest for me. I have around 30 ligs and I tried bunch of different reeds....Gonzalez reeds work perfectly with Zinner mouthpieces. Few years ago when I played on B45Lyre I used V12. I tried Gonzalez back then but they didn't work well with Vandoren MP. Now I play on Ted Lanes zinner mouthpiece and I use Gonzalez exclusively. I use only RC. In my opinion FOF reeds sound too dark and are not as flexible as RC plus you save some money
It's true that they don't last very long but I am thinking to go 1/4 up in strength hoping they will last longer.
Anyway I am happy I don't have to struggle with Vandoren reeds anymore....my wallet looks happier now too).
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-08-28 22:58
Unbalanced reed will sound and react bad and make you play with bad playing habits like biting(wonder if that's they case with people using material over their lips they just don't have uneven teeths or not at all just unbalanced reeds) no matter if it's Vandoren,Gonzalez or whatever brand. Get the ATG system and try it on your Vandoren reeds.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2008-08-30 02:13
That is a loaded question. Everyone has their opinion based on what works for them, not for you. The quality of the cane is the most important thing. You can't balance a poor piece of cane. Well you can balance it but it won't make any difference. Poor cane is poor cane, ATG, reed knife, reed clipper, UHL, sand paper, reed rush, reedual, what ever, poor cane is poor cane. Try several brands, not just those two, it's worth the investment. Find the cane that you can get the quality you are looking for. It doesn't matter what other people think. Cane comes from a variety of places these days, find what works for you. I’d tell you what I use but what good does that do you. ESP www.peabody.jhu.edu/457
Listen to a little Mozart
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2008-08-31 14:39
I still think the question is fine. He asked for good and bad experiences. If one elaborates on an opinion giving reasons .....eg longevity, tone quality etc it makes it more useful. When I recommend something I am only suggesting the person might try it. The recommendation doesn't come with a guarantee and require that I have my lawyer ready to handle law suits. It is merely a suggestion. If you collect opinions from reliable sources then it perhaps might cut down on your search time and also save money. Research, test and make a decision. No doubt there are individuals who attach too much significance to recommendations but that's their problem.
Freelance woodwind performer
Post Edited (2008-08-31 19:55)
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Author: marshall
Date: 2008-08-31 19:56
As Mr. Palanker said, the cane is a huge thing that determines the quality of the reed. A very wise clarinetist once told me this: If you have a bad reed made out of bad cane, you have a bad reed. If you have a good reed made out of bad cane, then you have a bad reed that's balanced well.
I've found that Gonzales reeds tend to be made out of a softer cane that I can usually dent with my thumbnail. However, I don't have that much experience with them (no more than three or four boxes of FOFs). I can't seem to get a fantastic reed from Gonzales no matter how meticulous and careful I am about balancing the reed when the cane is that soft.
Thenagain, don't take my word for it. You should try them yourself. maybe they'll work for you.
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