 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Bassie
Date: 2009-07-25 17:31
What's anyone's opinion on the best value 'cheap' reed?
One vote here for Mitchell Lurie - I dug into a box of these for the first time in a decade the other day, and found them surprisingly pleasant. Soft, though: a 3 Vandoren is about a 4 Mitchell Lurie.
Any other thoughts in these cash-starved times?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: chorusgirl
Date: 2009-07-25 17:49
Not an opinion on Mitchell Lurie reeds - but since you brought it up...
My son just started with a new clarinet teacher who wants him to switch from the Ricos to the Mitchell Luries. He currently plays on a Rico Royal 2.5, and his teacher wanted me to get three M.L. reeds in a 2.5, and three in a 3. I can't find any music store within an hour drive that has these.
I can order a full box of Mitchell Lurie reeds from the internet, but since I don't know yet what size he will ultimately end up using, I don't want to spend the money on a full box of each size.
What would you suggest I do?
thanks -
PS -
I thought the Mitchell Lurie reeds were a "step up" from the Ricos?
Post Edited (2009-07-25 17:50)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-07-25 18:07
Mitchell Lurie is a step up from a regular Rico but keep in mind that the Rico Co. makes the ML reeds too. I've found that they get soft very quickly, must be the cane or the cut. When you talk about a cheap reed you get what you pay for but it is understandable that you don't want to spend a lot of money on them. Maybe someone else can give you a choice of an inexpensive reed that will suite you. I use Rico's professional reeds and also make some myself and my students have all been to advanced to use what you're looking for. I'm also a Rico performing artist. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: GBK
Date: 2009-07-25 18:34
For alto sax I use Rico Royal. They seem to match the Link alto mouthpiece very well.
The reeds are cheap and disposable.
Put on a new one before a gig, play 4 hours on it and throw it away.
No fuss, no muss.
...GBK
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bob Barnhart ★2017
Date: 2009-07-25 19:08
I'm also concerned about the expense of reeds in these difficult times. However, I think rather than buying "cheap" reeds, it is preferable to make "good" reeds last longer.
It has been my experience that remarkably few clarinet/saxophone players (other than professionals) do much more than pick a good reed and throw it away when it ceases to play well.
A few simple things like keeping the reeds on a flat surface in a humidity-controlled case can extend their lifetime. Even if one simply keeps the reeds in a sandwich bag, you'll get better performance/lifetime.
Beyond that, simple techniques to seal the vamp, balance the reed, flatten the back, trim the tip, etc., can increase the number of playable reeds and enhance their lifetime. These techniques don't always require expensive tools or the investment of a lot of time.
If one practices reed care diligently, you can effectively reduce the cost of your reeds by increasing their lifetime. Moreover, playing better reeds will improve your sound, technique and overall playing experience.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: susieray
Date: 2009-07-25 21:41
Chorusgirl, I have an almost full box of Mitchell Lurie # 2 1/2 that I can give you, if you want them. You'll need to email me with your address and I'd be happy to send them to you.
Sue
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Justin Willsey ★2017
Date: 2009-07-25 22:55
Are the blanks used for Rico Royals any thicker than those used for the Mitchell Luries?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: skygardener
Date: 2009-07-26 08:36
I find that the AW reeds are the best value. They are actually rather on the expensive side but they last longer than any reed I have ever used.
So although the money/reed ratio is high, I find the money/time ratio to be very low. I bought 4 boxes over a year ago and I have yet to open the 4th box!
Post Edited (2009-07-26 08:37)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
