 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Eva F.
Date: 2008-11-15 02:01
Ok, a little about me. I'm in 8th grade, first chair, EXTREME band nerd from texas.
i love to talk, so i'm liable to be on one thread for hours. :-)
I have been searching and searching for the best reed type, but to no avail. Ricos
arrive chipped and with bad quality, Vandorens come in annoying flowpacks and
their sound quality is highly variable. Mitchell Luries are ok, but i want something
better. what is a reliable brand that is high quality?
-Eva
8th Grade Band Nerd!!!
Post Edited (2008-11-16 16:46)
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Author: cxgreen48
Date: 2008-11-15 02:27
I really don't think reeds should come chipped... o_o"
I personally still like the sound of Vandorens the best (Traditional and V.12, haven't tried 56RL)
Have you tried any of the Grand Concert Select (regular/thick/evolution) reeds?
I find the GCS Evolution (and maybe the other kinds too) similar to the sound of Mitchell Luries, but better (probably since it's thicker)
Maybe you can learn to adjust some reeds as well (especially with Vandorens)
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Author: Eva F.
Date: 2008-11-15 02:36
Thanks! i havent tried the GCS reeds, and i'm currently playing on a vandoren,
which is usually my favorite kind. it still makes me mad that rico reeds came
chipped, so they're definately out. it does help some of my vandorens to take a
knife to them. I will try the GCS reeds and hope theyre consistent in quality!!! :-)
8th Grade Band Nerd!!!
Post Edited (2008-11-16 02:27)
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2008-11-15 03:31
Consider trying the Reserve reeds which are made by Rico, but are really, really high quality. Same for the Evolution Reeds.
I was one of the original testers of the GCS reeds and the reserves and Evolution are even better.
There are other brands of reeds which are good, and a lot of the fun is trying them to find what you like yourself.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-11-15 08:35
My votes goes to Xilema reeds http://www.canyesxilema.com You should also get the ATG reed finishing system from Tom Ridenour <www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com> which is very easy to learn and use. Right after I learned it a adjusted 5 reeds in less than 10 minutes.
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-11-15 11:49
If they have a strength in your range, try Selmer Primo (by Gonzalez).
Tried them out for bass and am very happy with them.
--
Ben
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Author: srattle
Date: 2008-11-15 13:14
Where can we order cheap reeds?
If there's somewhere in Europe, even better, but also from the states?
Does anyone know what the cheapest reed website is?
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-11-15 13:42
> Where can we order cheap reeds?
I usually get mine from 1stopclarinet. Even by the single box this is cheaper than buying locally...
--
Ben
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Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2008-11-15 14:04
I agree with David Blumberg about the Rico Reserves. I recently tried them, and for me, they're fantastic. I've never found a chipped one in a box. When some reeds from other companies get soft (after a lot of playing) and you try to clip the tip, they're never quite the same. I've noticed, though, that this isn't true with Rico Reserves.
I tend to like reeds in the 3 to 3.5 range. A #3 Rico Reserve is equivalent in hardness to a 3.5 Mitchell Lurie.
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2008-11-15 14:17
I have always used Vandoren V12 reeds..I will add most great reeds do need some adjustment.
David Dow
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2008-11-15 14:33
Out of the reeds produced by Rico, I have tried the following with great success:
Mitchell Lurie (Regular or Premium)
Grand Concert Select Evolution
Rico Reserve
All have performed well, and I have never received any in damaged condition.
Additionally, the Vandoren V12 works very well with my newest mouthieces, which were designed to work best with this type of reeds.
I would also select investing a one or two Legere Quebec Cut reeds, to have in yor case for emergencies. They last forever and are very consistent from reed to reed. I used the 3.5 strength on my mouthpieces.
Really, you will ahve to experiment to see what reed works best with your particular mouthpiece and ligature. Additionally, strength requirements will vary slightly, depending on your level of playing ability. Best thing to do is consult with your teacher, if you have one. Your teacher should be able to make better suggestions as to what reed's characteristics suit your needs best. After all, we don't know much of anything about you, including what equipment you are using or your level of proficiency.
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: Liquorice
Date: 2008-11-15 15:13
Iceland- how do the strength ratings of Xilema compare with eg. Vandoren V12s? I currently play 3.5 V12. Where do you buy Xilema from?
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Author: Old Geezer
Date: 2008-11-15 16:20
Try Hornsales.com which sells them and has a bit of info about strength sizes etc.
Clarinet Redux
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2008-11-15 16:26
I also have been very pleased with the Xilema reeds from Ben Redwine. The "A" strength works very well for my "fairly wide tip/ long lay" sop mps, and with smooth backs, need only a touch on fine SiC paper to keep me happy. "To each his own". Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: Ed
Date: 2008-11-15 17:29
I have found best luck with Vandorens. I like the sound and response. The V12 are and traditional are both good, depending on what you are looking for. I have also had some luck with the Rico Grand Concert Thick blank reeds. The reserve or evolution styles did not work well for me.
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Author: Jaysne
Date: 2008-11-15 18:50
I've been playing Van Dorens professionally for many years. They're a high-quality, reliable brand. All my teachers and professors have played and recommended them.
You said they're "highly variable"; well, all reeds are highly variable! I think you should reconsider them.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2008-11-15 21:38
cx green wrote:
"Ed,
How was the Evolution different from the Thick Blank reeds?"
I am sure that others may tell you that they had the opposite result, which is why I think it is best for each player to find what works best for them. I may not have found the right tricks to get the Evolution to work for me.
I found the Thick Blank to have a better response and more of the tone I am looking for. I prefer the cut and they also lasted longer. Once the Thick Blanks settle in I find they just play for me with no fuss.
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Author: Pappy
Date: 2008-11-15 21:55
I recently bought some Xilema reeds from Ben Redwine as well. Very nice. They perform very much like Gonzales F.O.F.'s I think - though I think the cane is Spanish, right? Stength "D" is said to be comparable to 3.75 - and it seemed to be so. Quick to settle in.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2008-11-15 22:20
I find that the newer boxes of the Evolution are cut for me a lot better than the old style (different cardboard box) from when they originally came out. Newer style being in the past 3 years or so. I don't have any of the old boxes so can't describe what they were other than they didn't have the "Revolution Reed Holder" description on the back of the box and less artistic lettering on the box in general.
No, it's not all about the box it comes in ....... 
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: Eva F.
Date: 2008-11-16 02:21
speaking of boxes, do any of you share my hate of those weird cases from rico
where you slide your reed into the case top part first? I have broken the tip of one
of my reeds trying to slide it into one of those things in a hurry, and if you push
your reed in too far you have too use a thumb tack to get it out! it may sound as
if i'm careless, and to some extent i am. i'm in 8th grade, and i have to climb
three and a half flights of stairs to get to my spanish class four minutes after the
bell rings. i like finding people who agree with me on these annoying things.
-Eva
By the way, Pappy, nice Rossini quote!
8th Grade Band Nerd!!!
Post Edited (2008-11-16 02:29)
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Author: cxgreen48
Date: 2008-11-16 13:23
Actually, I like the Rico plastic cases more than the Vandoren plastic cases since those tend to scratch my reeds a little.
Just take 2 extra seconds to make sure you don't break then reed on the case. Hopefully the teacher won't notice you are 2 seconds later than you usually arrive. :P
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Author: Eva F.
Date: 2008-11-16 15:01
it still annoys me when i have to get the reed out with a thumbtack!!!
-Eva
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2008-11-16 15:20
>> how do the strength ratings of Xilema compare
>> with eg. Vandoren V12s? I currently play 3.5 V12.
Xilema C feel pretty close to V12 #3.5. Both are equaly varied, but on average approx slightly harder than my usual reeds (V12 #3) by the same amount... The couple of harders reeds from all of them were V12s, so maybe C+ is closer...
Post Edited (2008-11-17 04:33)
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-11-16 18:14
Well I have to disagree about peoples opinion on the strength grading of the Xilema professional reeds. For me the Xilema D is almost 1/2 strength softer than Gonzalez FOF #3.25 and about 1/3 softer than Glotin GIII #3.5. I can play grade D at home with no problem although being a bit softer but at rehearsal with my concert wind band they are just too soft. And btw I use Gennusa Excellente mouthpiece with 1.04 tip opening. So I would say that I would need more like D+. So my question would be how could someone playing on a Vandoren V-12 or Rico Reserve in the #4-4.5 range play on Xilema. I think they wouldn't find them hard enough. And then I find the classic cut to be almost 1/2 strength softer than the professional cut.
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2008-11-16 19:52
Xilema (pro) are my personal first choice. I find that 'C' is close to Vandoren Traditional 3, maybe slightly harder. I also keep some AW reeds (German) in my case, and have played a number of concerts on these (I find them slightly less bright).
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Author: Bubalooy
Date: 2008-11-16 20:10
I also suggest you might want to try a box of Vic Olivieri reeds. Order them a half number softer than the Vandorens you use. They do seem to be more consistant than Vandorens.
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2008-11-16 21:13
According to Portnoy use regular thickness, not thick blank. He gave an explanation, which involved the observation that the mpcs we use are not designed for the thicker reeds.
richard smith
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Author: redwine
Date: 2008-11-17 00:19
Hello,
(Disclaimer--I'm the North American importer for Canyes Xilema reeds)
If you live outside North America, it's best to contact Inma directly at Canyes Xilema Reeds for help. She'll either sell to you directly, or point you to your nearest dealer, wherever you may live.
I too find the Canyes Xilema to be slightly softer than advertised, in comparison with the leading brands in North America, so I've taken the liberty to actually adjust their strenght equivalents. The Spanish certainly play more open mouthpieces with softer reeds, in general, so they may not be comparing their reeds to ones available in North America.
If you wish to contact me directly, I'll be glad to discuss my dealings with Canyes Xilema and my take on their strength classifications.
Ben Redwine, DMA
owner, RJ Music Group
Assistant Professor, The Catholic University of America
Selmer Paris artist
www.rjmusicgroup.com
www.redwinejazz.com
www.reedwizard.com
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2008-11-17 04:41
My comparison of the Xilema and V12 strength was from just trying them and comparing. I also compared Gonzalez #3 and it was approx the same strength as the V12 #3.5 and Xilema C (which were just slightly softer which is why I thought maybe C+ are possibly closer).
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Author: Pappy
Date: 2008-12-02 00:55
"According to Portnoy use regular thickness, not thick blank. He gave an explanation, which involved the observation that the mpcs we use are not designed for the thicker reeds."
Portnoy always had me use Olliveri's with one of his mouthpieces (back in the 70's) - usually a BP02. Olliveri's are considered a thick blank, right?
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Author: Curinfinwe
Date: 2008-12-02 01:05
I'm surprised nobody's mentioned Vandoren 56L's. I started playing on those about a month ago, and immediately noticed an improvement in response, tone and even-ness throughout all registers. A friend of mine who's played them for years also swears by them, and he says that they're a French style reed, instead of the regular Vandorens, which are German, but whatever they are, I suggest you try them!
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2008-12-02 01:57
The Rue Lepics are just too bright sounding for me in the upper register. I found lot of other brands/types more flexible.
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Author: mrn
Date: 2008-12-02 05:35
Curinfinwe wrote:
<<A friend of mine who's played them for years also swears by them, and he says that they're a French style reed, instead of the regular Vandorens, which are German, but whatever they are, I suggest you try them!>>
I think your friend has the terminology backwards. The regular Vandorens are French-style "file cut" reeds (also known as "double cut"), while the 56s are single cut, like German reeds. The 56s also have a noticeable taper to them, which gives them some of the responsiveness that the narrower German reeds have.
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