 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: crusius
Date: 2010-11-22 16:44
Hi all,
I was lucky enough to get a Ridenour HW mouthpiece when he was selling them on Ebay recently. It sounds much better than my previous mouthpiece, a Fobes Debut (granted, there is a big difference in price, but I think there is an even bigger difference in sound).
There is one problem, however: the reeds I was using with the Fobes, Legere Signature #3 and #3.25, are very hard to control with the HW. In particular, crossing the break down from, say, clarion D to throat G, results in squeaks galore. The only way I found to make crossings like those work was to take so little mouthpiece in my mouth that the altissimo becomes very problematic. I have tried for the past month or two to get used to it, but it isn't going anywhere.
Yestedray, switching to a Vandoren V12 #3 from my old stash completely and immediately solved the squeak and control problem, but with that reed I can not get the projection I want.
I was ready to buy a Legere Quebec #3 today to try it out, but these things add up quickly. I'd really like for one of the synthetic reeds to work though, so I thought of asking here first:
Do any of you have any experience and/or recommendations for a synthetic reed for this mouthpiece?
Cheers and thanks,
- Cesar
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Maestro_6
Date: 2010-11-22 19:30
Synthetics can be rather tricky at times, and matching the Legere reeds to certain mouthpiece is really a tough task! My advice would be to get a fresh box of V12s. Some issues can come up by using a reed that was broken in and used on a different mouthpiece. Fresh ones tend to feel much better. Or if you feel a bit adventurous, try out some of the Vandoren Blue Box reeds.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ed
Date: 2010-11-22 21:04
It would be a great idea to contact Tom Ridenour to see what he suggests. Many makers design a mouthpiece using a particular reed.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: crusius
Date: 2010-11-22 21:19
If no synthetics work on this I will try cane... but I'd like to avoid it if possible. My Legere experience with the Debut made me a convert. Too much fuss with the cane reeds, and at least on the Debut the Signatures sounded pretty good.
My rationale for the Quebec was to try a thicker reed: the Signatures are very thin compared to the V12. Maybe there's no way but to find out but trying it.
Which reminds me: I've seen some interesting reviews of the Forestone reeds, interesting enough to bring them up as a possibility. (Some hate them, some love them.) On their site, however, I could find no description of the differences between their "French" and "German" cuts. Anybody knows?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: crusius
Date: 2010-11-22 21:25
Thanks for the suggestion, Ed. I'd think he's more of a "cane person" with his sanding system and all. It won't hurt asking though.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2010-11-22 21:25
Legere reeds don't work very well with Ridenour mouthpieces. I can use a 3.5 V12 reed and get it to sound pretty good. I tend to use another mouthpiece nowadays, but it works fine with the 3.5.
Good mouthpiece though. I like his stuff. But he uses cane reeds. And paired with his ATG system you can adjust the reed to his mouthpiece very well.
Alexi
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: senior
Date: 2010-11-22 21:28
The one synthetic reed that I found to work well on clarinet is the Hahn. You can get them here.
http://www.saxalley.com/reeds/reeds.html?brand=147
I use it on a Ridenour A clarinet with a Pomarico Black Wizard mouthpiece.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: crusius
Date: 2010-11-22 21:37
Thanks senior, I never heard of that one before. Will do some research.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: crusius
Date: 2010-11-23 18:44
Well, just to give an update, I just ordered Forestone French cut reeds in 2.5, 3, and 3.5 (one is free). A lot of money, but opening up three unbalanced V12s yesterday reminded me why I want to get rid of cane if at all possible...
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ed
Date: 2010-11-23 18:59
A little work with a reed knife or reed rush or sandpaper or the ATG system can also help that issue.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: crusius
Date: 2010-12-12 05:47
For the record,
I got my Forestone reeds in the mail, in 2.5, 3, and 3.5. The 3.5 seems to be pretty good so far, much much better than the Legere Signature 3 1/4, which was basically uncontrollable on the MP. As it stands it can almost replace the V12 #3. The altissimo is harder with the Forestone, though.
Of course, the 2.5 and 3 are too soft, which means that a 4 or 4.5 might be even better than the 3.5... I have written to Forestone (using the "Contact" form on their site) to see what can be done.
Although this reed (and the V12) fix a lot of the problems I was having with the Legere Signature, it did not fix some others, but I'm pretty sure they are due to the clarinet now (they do not happen with the same MP/reed combo on an old Yamaha YCL-20 I have - for the record, again, the problem is going from high clarion B to clarion D doesn't do squat: the B just keeps on sounding...).
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: dan199212
Date: 2011-06-13 22:44
HI crusius i was wondering i just received that mouthpiece and i also play on forestone reeds, but does your reed tip line up perfectly with the tip of the mouthpiece with the reed lining up with the table of the mouthpiece? i ask because mine does not the reed doesn't line up with the table when i have tips lining. so i have to line up the reed with the table but then the tips do not match perfectly. there is a slightly more top on the right side of the mouthpiece showing then the left.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ThatPerfectReed
Date: 2011-06-14 03:16
Crusuis: I've heard about this "reduced cost try 3 Forestone reeds" offer but can't seem to find it on Forestone's website.
Might you share how one effects such an order?
Thanks
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: crusius
Date: 2011-06-14 15:52
Hi Dan,
Yes, the mouthpiece is asymmetrical in that way. I have another mouthpiece from Tom (not the HW) and the same thing happens there.
When placing the reed I usually don't bother much with the side rails or the table, I just center the reed tip on the mouthpiece's tip rail while pivoting the reed on my thumb holding it on the table (I hope this makes sense). It doesn't seem to cause a problem... but then again I always tighten the ligature pretty strong.
Best,
- Cesar
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: crusius
Date: 2011-06-14 15:54
ThePerfectReed,
It's been a long time, but if I remember correctly you have to place an order for two and e-mail him for the third. It should be on his website somewhere.
Best,
- Cesar
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: crusius
Date: 2011-06-14 15:57
Hi all, since this thread has been resurrected, another one for the record:
I am now using the #4 reed on this mouthpiece, and it seems to be a pretty good match. The #4.5 is too hard for me, but it may be worth trying for those who can handle it. Since I got the #4 some months ago I have stopped searching for reeds for this mouthpiece: it does all I need it to do.
Best,
- Cesar
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
