 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: rtmyth
Date: 2011-07-03 21:33
Any comments on both , used with the identical mpc-clarinet-ligature set up? thanks, in advance.
richard smith
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Author: saxlite
Date: 2011-07-03 22:01
I have tried various types of Legeres, but for me, the Forestone works better. I am using a mouthpiece by Fred Rast. Originally I used VD Blue Box 3 1/2 but have settled on the Forestone 4 1/2. I use it for all purposes, practice and concert. My colleagues are impressed with tone quality; they do not detect that I'm using a synthetic reed until I point it out. Now, several of my colleagues have become "converts".
Jerry
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Author: Barry Vincent
Date: 2011-07-03 22:27
Forestone 4 with Vandoran B45 dot and Forestone 4 1/2 with Vandoran M13.
Ligrature used is the Rovner. I've noticed that after a while these reeds will weaken and this can be corrected by using a reed cutter with great care. You only need to cut of the slightest amount and this will restore them back to the original resistance. however , this can only be done once it seems. The cutter I use is a Prestini.
It took a little while to get use to using these synthetics but now I will never go back to cane reeds again. I'm very satisfied with the overall sound and response that these reeds give.
I have had no experience with any other type of synthetic so cannot give any comparisons using the same MP ect.
Skyfacer
Post Edited (2011-07-03 22:31)
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Author: William
Date: 2011-07-04 14:48
I've been playing on the same two mouthpieces for over 40 yrs--Chicago Kaspar #14 & Charles Bay (Ithica) with my Kaspars facing copied onto it--and for the most part, was using Vandorens, 3.5-5.0 strengths. During my last couple of years with cane, I was experimenting with Legere's and gradually put the cane reeds aside and used the Legere traditional reeds, exclusively, for about a year. Then, I discovered Forestones, and have been using them ever since--since May of 2009. Having tried all of the Legeres--traditional, Quebec & Signiture--I never could find one that sounded good in the upper register. For me, they always produced a "dull" sound and seemed to play flat. Not so with the Forestones--full sound throughout the clarinets range and great, crisp articulation response. I now play Forestone reeds on all of my clarinets and saxophones for all playing venue. Tonight, July 4th, I will play with the Beloit/Janesville Symphony Orchestra and on July 7th, I will be performing the Artie Shaw, "Concerto for Clarinet" with Madison's (WI-USA) Capitol City Band--and for both performances, I will be using the same Forestone 4.5 reed and Kaspar mpc. They are always ready "to go" and last almost indefinately. Legeres also last "forever", however I prefer the tone quality and "feel" of the Forestone reeds.
So, I guess in the last 50 yrs, I've played them all--Rico, Marca, Oliveri, Symetricut, LaVoz, Mitchell Laurie, Aaccousticut, Legere's, Gonzales and (mostly) Vandoren V12's--but none of the above play as well as the Forestones.
FWIW--I play Buffet R13 A & Bb, Buffet Prestige bass, Yamaha 681 Eb, Buffet E11 C and Selmer alto and tenor saxophones--all with Forestone reeds.
Post Edited (2011-07-04 16:31)
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Author: Wicked Good ★2017
Date: 2011-07-04 15:46
My only real gripe about Forestones is that they seem to play weakly for my setup (Buffet Tosca Bb/A, Greg Smith Cicero mouthpiece, Kaspar lig).
I normally play VD 56 Rue Lepic #4s, but when I play Forestone F5s it seems like I'm blowing against tissue paper. For that reason only, when I do use a synthetic, I tend to favor Legere Signature #4s.
I do think that the Forestones sound a little less "tubby" than the Legeres, but I need more to push against. Clipping the Forestones is something I've been loathe to try, but will do so.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2011-07-04 15:52
I find that the Forestones are very soft for their rating numbers. On Vandoren V12's, I play a 3-1/2, on Forestones, I need a 4-1/2 or their (hardest) 5.
Forestones work much better for me than any of the Legeres (or Baris).
But, I have drifted back to cane.
Bob Phillips
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2011-07-04 16:33
Legeres can be clipped successfully, but as has been mentioned here, only the one time. The amount to clip to bring a reed that has softened, or to bring a reed up about half a number, is much less than you might expect, the merest sliver. I've not tried this on Forestones. I find that Legeres work better for me than Forestones. Fibracell and I didn't get on, I found them to be harsh. They improved slightly after I sanded them slightly, but they were still harsh to my ear.
Tony F.
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Author: William
Date: 2011-07-04 16:41
Forestone reeds can easily be clipped, but take only the smallest amount for each clipping. The old rule applies, 'you can always take a little more off, but you can't put it back'. Also, I so occassionally use a reed knife to correct the response after clipping. I scape the heart of the reed just back from the tip and a little bit on each side, tappering the shape of the scape backwards--similar to what one does with cane.
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Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2011-07-04 19:19
I keep pulling out my two Forestone reeds an F4 and F4 1/2 and every time I put it on any mouthpiece that I have, it just seems too weak and flat in the upper register. I don't want to have to work that hard to get a flippin reed to play in tune. just want to make music. I have tried a legere signature, but not very recently, and they were the closest sounding to cane that I've played for synthetics. I do use Legeres for saxophones. I think legere's are the best for lower reeds but for Eb and Bb, I honestly can't stand them. I may give them both a chance again sometime soon, but I'll stick with cane for now. I play on an M30 (until I receive my Gregory Smith pieces to try hehe) and R13 clarinets.
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