 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Clip
Date: 2009-02-01 21:23
Hi all.
I've just changed my mpc to one with a much larger tip opening. I normally use a Sinus 2.5. Now that I've changed the mpc, the only reeds I'm comfortable with that I had lying around are some Rico (orange box) 1.5.
I want to try some Trad Vandorens, but since they're relatively expensive, before I buy a box, can anyone give me an idea of which would translate to the 1.5s I'm using? Thanks
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Author: Sarah M
Date: 2009-02-01 21:33
I'm thinkin that should be around a Vandoren 2 or 2.5....have a look at the "Reed Comparison" chart on Vandoren's Website:
http://www.vandoren.fr/en/clarinetreed.html
You can also purchase Vandorens in 2 packs or individuals just to test out a couple reeds and find your approximate strength. I suggest buying them in packs of 2 cause "placing bets" on one reed as representative of a reed strength is probably not the way to do things.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-02-01 21:38
It would depend also on which Vandorens you plan pn using. The three variants of the standard (French) Vandoren reeds are the Traditional (aka Blue box), the V12 and the 56 Rue Lepic. Each one performs differently. According to oe comparison I have seen, the standard Rico 1.5 is roughly equivalent to a Vandoren Traditional #1. The V12 and the Rue Lepic do not come in strengths that low. Vandoren also has a comparison chart at this location:
http://www.vandoren.fr/en/clarinetreed.html Once you get there, look at the oindex on the left for a link to a reed comparison chart.
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."
Post Edited (2009-02-01 21:39)
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Author: Sarah M
Date: 2009-02-01 22:33
Well, seems we had the same thought at the same time with the Vandoren website. Anyways, trying to find Vandoren 1's is (at least for me) mission impossible, hense my suggestion about finding 2's. You can always shave the 2's down such that they become 1's, or 1.5's. Maybe you even find yourself liking the 2's and just shave them a little...maybe a 1.75 or something. Vandoren does have pictures on their website as well with 3D diagrams of the differences between the Traditional (blue box), V12 (silver box), and Rue Lepic (black box). The also explain the differences in tone quality between each of the reeds, so have a "reed" and see what you are aiming for with regards to sound. I seem to prefer the silver box, but everyone is entitled to their own choice.
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Author: NBeaty
Date: 2009-02-02 00:28
What mouthpiece were you playing and what did you switch to?
I own a Peter Eaton (English) mouthpiece that is quite open and resistant, needing soft reeds. I can't play anything softer than a vandoren 3 blue box on it though.
I'd be interested to know what mouthpiece you're now using though, as well as how long you've been playing.
All the best,
Nathan
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-02-02 00:33
I tend to agree. Years ago I played on the traditionals (they were the only ones available at the time...in the plastic boxes) and they tended to work pretty well for the mouthpiece i was using at the time (a very close mouthpiece, where I needed at elast a 4.5), but later switched to other reeds that were more suited to my wallet, and also later changed mouthpieces after I resumed playing a few years ago.
Now, I use two mouthpieces, both of which were designed with V-12 3.5 reeds in mind: Walter Grabner's K13 and Greg Smith's Chedeville style piece. I got a new MP with my Ridenour Lyrique 576 BC a couple of weeks ago, but it will need some practice time, and I believe it will require softer reeds to go along with it.
For my main pieces, I have found that the LEgere Wuebec cut 3.5 reeds are practically ideal, and do not vary much in performance characteristics as the weather and seasons change.
Jeff
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Author: Clip
Date: 2009-02-02 09:12
Thanks for all the replies so far. I did go to the reed comparison tables first, but from past experience in changing brands, I found it didn't work that well. I'm not Donald Trump, so I'd rather not have to go through a long trial and error process with boxes of Vandoren reeds.
I was on a Yamaha 6C using the Sinus 2.5 or 3, and I went to a JodyJazz 6 which I've been using the Rico Orange Box 1.5s on.
Thanks again
Post Edited (2009-02-02 09:16)
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