 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: janlynn
Date: 2009-02-24 18:03
My teacher gave me samples of grand concert select reeds she was given years ago but never tried. strength 4 1/2, 4 3/4 and 5. I normally play vandoren V12 4's which sometimes feel too stiff. but i really took a liking to the GCS 4 3/4 and was wondering if i buy a box will i get the same results, or did the reed weaken because its so old?
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Author: GBK
Date: 2009-02-24 19:23
I have numerous boxes of Vandorens from the 1970's and 1980's, Morres from the early 1970's, and Olivieris from the mid 1970's. I've always felt that reeds which have been aged seem to play slightly stiffer, compared to the same strength and brand of today.
Or... perhaps the older cane was more dense?
Or ... maybe I'm just getting weaker as I get older? ![[wink]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie3.gif)
Generally, I think that adding an additional 6 months or more to store bought reeds, before opening the box, can only help in the curing/drying process.
Then again ... Poor cane is poor cane, no matter how long you hold onto it.
...GBK
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Author: Chris Hill
Date: 2009-02-24 19:24
The cut is very different, so even if you could get the same strength in the Grand Concert Select, the reeds will sound different. I used to use the 1/4 strength RGC, and found that the Evolution is similar. I like the Reserve more.
Chris Hill
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Author: Tim Asson
Date: 2009-02-24 21:01
The strength of the reed must be matched to the lay of your mouthpiece - the wider the lay the softer the reed - I did get up to 4 1/2 to 5 strength years ago but found it better for tone to widen my lay and now use a 2-3 strength.
I've recently discivered Vintage reeds from Austrailia ... the age of the cane used is given in the box - my last box was 1995 and played just fine. They are a shorter cut than Vandoren/Rico/Mitchel Laurie etc but they are worth a try if you are looking for a quality reed.
Hope this rambling helps ...
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Author: Ed
Date: 2009-02-24 23:42
I suppose it will be no help to say that the only way to know for sure is to try them.
As far as old reeds, for quite a few years I was using the old purple box Vandorens #5, which were from the late 70's and early 80's. The new 5's are much stiffer. I couldn't play on those at all. I could possible use them to shingle a roof. To get a similar feel and response I have to use 4's in the current strength.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-02-25 03:01
It is true that the cut of those reeds are slightly different from the same model they make today but the main thing is in the cane. Every year cane is different from other years. Rain, sun etc. all add or detract from the quality of the cane. The same as with wines. That's why a fine wine may sell for $90 a bottle one year and the same brand and type for $10 a bottle. To much or to little rain or sun for moon beams, who knows. The only difference with reeds is that in a bad year they still raise the price no matter what. Rico now makes at least four different cuts, try a box of each to see what plays best for you, period.
I am a Rico performing artist and play the Thick Blanks and Reserve, and by the way, I also make my own Bb reeds, I also use Grand Concerts on Bass. ESP www.peabody.jhu.edu/457
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