 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: puffball
Date: 2011-11-18 16:38
I've always been a cane-reed player (the last time I tried a synthetic, I hated it, though that was many years ago). But I've decided to buy a Legere Signature reed to see how I like it. I'm not sure what strength to try first, though. I know I can exchange it if I get the wrong strength, but I'd like to get it right the first time, if I can.
I play a vintage Cicero Kaspar 13 mouthpiece, and my usual reed is a Vandoren V12 3.5. Legere's strength chart suggests that a 3.5 Signature would be equivalent. My question is whether those of you who have played both types of reeds have found this to be correct. I'm worried about excessive brightness/thinness of the sound in the upper clarion and altissimo registers (which is why I rejected synthetics I tried in the past), and am wondering if I should try a 3.75 instead. However, the strength chart puts the 3.75 Signature even with a V12 4, which is definitely a bit too hard for my setup.
Thanks in advance for your input!
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2011-11-18 21:04
If you start with a 3.5 and have to adjust the majority of the box down (shave it down, thin the tip, etc.), I'd get a 3.25 signature. If you feel that MOST of the 3.5s play very will right out of the box without having to adjust them or remove much material (just balance them left/right and don't have to thin the tip), I'd use a 3.5 signature.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2011-11-19 01:00
I find the Legere Signatures to be just a tad harder than the equivalently numbered cane, but over time, they seem to break in. I have been pleased with mine.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2011-11-19 03:27
If you play a Vandoren V12/3.5, I'd go for a Legere Signature 3.25.
Tony F.
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Author: Eric V
Date: 2011-11-19 03:54
Hi Puffball,
I play both types of the reeds you mention in the 3.5 to 3.75 range with similar MP's. My vote is just as Alexi wrote above. The strengths of Legere signatures really are right at the same strengths of unsanded V12's.
For me the Legeres play fine but not as well as a good cane reed. Well worth trying out for sure. I use the Legeres for practicing and use the cane reeds when I really care how it sounds.
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Author: Claire Annette
Date: 2011-11-19 15:12
I play Gonzales FOF 3.75 and this is the strength of Legere Signature I play. I've been particularly pleased with the consistent response the Signature 3.75 gives me in the altissimo range.
(For what it's worth, I play on a Vandoren M15 Lyre with a leather Vandoren ligature.)
On a side note, I've found that the Legere leaves an unpleasant taste in my mouth after a rehearsal. Is this true of anyone else's experience?
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2011-11-19 22:06
I wasn't aware there WAS an M15 lyre. Is it an older model? (I use Legere Signature 4.0 on an M15, although I'm waiting for the 4.25s to arrive . . . I think the 4.0 is just a TAD soft for the mouthpiece)
Alexi
PS - No weird aftertaste here.
US Army Japan Band
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Author: puffball
Date: 2011-11-21 16:17
Thanks, all. I've ordered a 3.5 Legere Signature. Looking forward to trying it out.
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