 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: garcia_bazan
Date: 2008-09-07 19:15
Hi,
I've been playing clarinet for not so long and I've been using Traditional (Blue Box) Vandoren reeds, #2
I wanted to try out Mitchell Laurie since I've heard better comments on those, but I've also heard that they are softer than vandorens and you have to compensate for that, almost 1/2 a number in strength.
My first question is...what is the difference between normal Mitchell Laurie reeds and the Premium ones? they are basically the same price per reed.
And also, I'm using Vandoren's #2...if I want to move up to 2.5 do I have to buy Mitchell Laurie #3's because they are softer??
Well...any information will be helpful.
Thanks,
- Juan Carlos
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Author: NorbertTheParrot
Date: 2008-09-07 19:59
They are at least half a step softer than the Blue Box Vandorens, so yes, you need to buy at least #3.
The Premium reeds are supposed to be made of better cane. Also they are filed (like a Vandoren Blue), whereas the ordinary ML aren't.
The main advantage of the Premium is that they come in fives rather than tens, so less money is wasted if you don't like them.
I think they are good beginner reeds. I don't think you'd find too many orchestral professionals using them, but I know a couple of teachers who recommend them; one, however, recommends specifically the ordinary rather than the Premium.
I used to use them, but no longer like them. I don't know whether this is because the quality has gone down, or my playing has changed (improved, I hope). Or it may be simply that the softer ones (#3, #3.5) are better than the #4, which is the minimum that I can reasonably use now.
BTW, it's Lurie, not Laurie.
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Author: cxgreen48
Date: 2008-09-07 21:01
I used to use them too, but I'm liking my Vandorens more than the Mitchell Luries now. It's a really good reed for the price, considering how much more expensive some other reeds can be nowadays.
Post Edited (2008-09-07 21:01)
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Author: weberfan
Date: 2008-09-07 21:10
Just the other day, my teacher and I were grousing about the fussiness of Vandoren reeds and he mentioned that another adult pupil of his had bought a box of premium Lurie reeds and liked them.
The other pupil and I both play Vandoren (blue box) #3's. But we needed Lurie 4.5's.
They seem thinner and softer than the Vandorens, but they play well out of the box. I suspect they won't last long.
You might try Rico's Grand Concert Select. They play nicely and have a bit more heft to them.
For now, though, I'm sticking with Vandoren traditional, with an occasional visit to the V-12's.
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2008-09-07 23:12
I've used ML & Vandoren reeds for 30 odd years. The MLs are 1/2 softer and they do not need the breaking in that the Vandys do due to a longer cut.
BUT they tend to get waterlogged fairly quickly and tonally drop off due to it. I find they are a good short practice reed but for me do not compare to the Vandorens.
==========
Stephen Sklar
My YouTube Channel of Clarinet Information
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-09-08 00:56
The cut has nothing to do with how long brake-in period you need. Better cane needs longer brake-in. So it's no wonder why Vandoren needs longer brake-in than Mitchell Lurie because they are made of much better quality cane.
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Author: pewd
Date: 2008-09-08 01:13
I'm going to take a contrarian view and suggest that a new student should stick with the same brand reed until you get more experience. E.G., avoid changing your setup until you have been playing a few years.
If you feel you need to change, switch to a blue box #2.5 - 2.0's are pretty soft, even for a beginner, on most mouthpieces.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-09-08 01:49
Best bet is to check with your instructor, if you are receiving lessons. She or he would be the better judge as to what reed would work best for you at this time. If you are not currently taking lessons, it might be worth the effort to take one or two lessons at least with a good teacher, just to make sure you are progressing the proper way, and have the best setup possible for your current playing ability.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: pewd
Date: 2008-09-08 01:56
yup, jeff's answer is better than mine
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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