 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: ayrib
Date: 2013-03-11 23:07
I was looking for your thoughts and opinions about using synthetic reeds as
a backup /alternative to my wooden Vandoren ones which I use at present.
The advantages being that they would last longer but the big disadvantage is that they are more expensive.That is the easy part.
But is the tuning intonation the same as when using the wooden reeds.
Can I also ask if anyone does recommend them what make are you using.
I was looking at Legere Signature Reeds made in Canada as they come in quarter sizes which would give me more choice.
Opinions and advice most welcome.
Post Edited (2013-03-11 23:08)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2013-03-12 00:36
During periods of low humidity (or drastic weather changes) I would say that keeping a synthetic around to maintain your sanity is not a bad idea. Although I find them thuddy and only a reasonable facsimile of a real reed.
For a match to a standard Vandoren, I'd go with a Legere about 1/4 strength down. So a Vandoren 3 1/2 would be equivalent to a Legere 3 1/4 (for example).
There is greater acceptance in the Germanic countries these days perhaps because the smaller tip openings make maintaining an actual reed more mind numbing (I'm not sure why though).
Looking at the cost of finding decent reeds and switching them out when they die, I'd have to disagree with your premise that synthetic is more expensive. That is, as long as you find the sound agreeable.
..............Paul Aviles
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: pewd
Date: 2013-03-12 01:05
I play a Legere one for my teaching studio work - it plays fine.
Try it - it you like the results, have at it. That is the only way to know - try it out.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: MSK
Date: 2013-03-12 01:08
I use Legere occasionally and also go down 1/4 strength compared to VD. I find the Legere comparable to the B+ reeds but not the best reeds in the box. What I don't like (aside from price) is that they are more slippery and take some getting used when applying the ligature. My favorite situation is when a cane reed is likely to dry out. For example I often play in church about half way into the service with no opportunity to wet the reed or warm up.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: sfalexi
Date: 2013-03-12 02:03
MSK wrote:
> I use Legere occasionally and also go down 1/4 strength
> compared to VD. I find the Legere comparable to the B+ reeds
> but not the best reeds in the box. What I don't like (aside
> from price) is that they are more slippery and take some
> getting used when applying the ligature. My favorite situation
> is when a cane reed is likely to dry out. For example I often
> play in church about half way into the service with no
> opportunity to wet the reed or warm up.
^ my thoughts exactly.
US Army Japan Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Taras12
Date: 2013-03-12 03:33
As a beginner, I'm still finding what the best combination of reeds, ligature, mouthpiece and barrels is. My emboucher is developing, so I use softer reeds (Van Doren Traditional/Rico Reserve 2 1/2 - 3). I've been using Fibracell 2.5's, Legere Regular and Signatures 2 3/4 as well. I use a Chedeville Prime with BG or Rovner Dark ligatures.
Saying that, I like both cane and synthetics. Each sound and behave differently. Synthetics play on demand and are a bit brighter in sound. While cane changes depending on the moisture content, the synthetics remain fairly consistent throughout the session. You will need to modify your technique when you play synthetics
Tristan
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: donald
Date: 2013-03-12 05:27
My experience has been that Synthetic is NOT more expensive IF you can quickly find the right strength/model. When I was able to test out various strengths etc at Clarinetfests I could find the model that suited my mouthpiece and then buy the appropriate reed that suited my set up. The problem was that when i then changed moutpieces I'd have to find a new reed etc... THIS can be expensive if you don't get it right (as an example, I own 2 brand new alto sax reeds that don't suit my classical sax setup.... that's about the cost of a box of reeds). However, you can end up in the same predicament with cane reeds....
Once or twice I have performed on Legere reeds- the fact that i no longer do is more to do with this "matching reed to mouthpiece" factor than any strongly held conviction that cane is better.
In 1998 (right after the Clarinetfest that Guy launched his reeds) I played in a masterclass and concert using a legere reed. Charles Neidich was coaching out group, and in the masterclass he came around behind me to look at my part and noticed that i had a plastic reed.... According to my student (watching the master class) his eyes popped out in surprise. "What is that????" he hissed at me! He couldn't believe that a plastic reed could sound so good.
dn
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ayrib
Date: 2013-03-14 01:20
Thanks for all your input folks.
Just to update you I got hold of a Legere signature 3.25 synthetic reed and find it just as good as my Vandoren reeds.
I am really pleased as I thought the sound would be a little duller with less projection but alas no.
I plan to experiment some more with these reeds trying different makes just to see which one suits me best although at present I am more than happy.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
