 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: MGT91123
Date: 2013-04-19 00:51
Hi,
So I've been playing the Rico Grand Concert Select #3 for a while, but am wondering if it might be part of my problem. {Se my post "very Confused" for more,} and find that there is quite a bit to choose from. I'd like to try a Reserve, Mitchell Lurie, and possibly a La Voz. As 3's and as 3.5's, and I plan to do so soon.
My question is though, what is the difference between all these and the Grand Concert Select? Any thing else I should try? {I am not a fan of synthetic reeds, though.}
MG
Buffet E-11
Buffet Moening Barrel, 65 mm, Backun Protege 65mm
Vadoren BD5 Mouthpiece
Vandoren M/O series gold Lig.
Gonzala's FOF Reeds 2.5
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Author: NBeaty
Date: 2013-04-19 02:15
I have a suggestion before venturing too far with a table full of different reeds\brands\strengths. TRY a box of Grand Concert Select Evolution 3's. These reeds have a thicker heel and are more stable (generally) than the regular grand concert select and would be a logical step, considering your previous posts.
That being said, if it's that time where you have a few hundred dollars to spend and you really want to see all that is out there, understand that all these reeds are cut differently and the cane is different from brand to brand. The reason for the above suggestion is to avoid getting mentally and physically confused when trying so many at once. Since you're asking what the difference is between them, you obviously are aware that there is a difference and are curious as to what that is. This should be approached with some caution, and is best done with a competent teacher there to help you evaluate and keep you on track as you go.
Your current reeds are, to me, a step up from michell lurie and lavoz, so I wouldn't bother with those. (others will have opinions as well, but I haven't met anyone in the last ten years playing in college or professionally using these reeds, although there are some out there somewhere).
Since you're playing Ricos, try the other rico styles. Rico GCS Evolutions (as mentioned above), Rico Reserves, and Rico Reserve Classics. Be sure to order them by the box in order to get a good representation.
The GCS that you use are a thinner blank, thinner cut reed.
The Reserves are a thicker heel\thicker cut reed that will play with a bit more resistance and stability, but less vibrancy and clarity than the GCS.
The Reserve Classics are also a thicker reed, but have a more forgiving taper towards the tip. These reeds are very popular, but can be a bit mushy or stuffy to me.
The GCS Evolutions are a thicker version of the GCS (extreme generalization, sorry) and offer more stability and a thicker and more deep sound.
The specifics of the styles can be found by google\rico's website.
Again, I would start off by trying a box of evolutions and go from there if they are unsatisfactory by ordering more of the Rico styles.
If all else fails, try some Vandoren Traditional and V12 reeds which are used by a great many of the fine clarinet players in the world.
Best of luck.
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Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2013-04-19 03:21
Nathan raises some good points, although I've never tried the Evolutions.
I tried some regular Grand Concert Selects a couple years ago and was underwhelmed. Having said this, they might work well with some mouthpieces. I'm not sure you're going to find a lot of difference between GCSs and Mitchell Luries, although there might be some.
LaVoz is the same reed as a Rico Royal, the only difference being American cut in the first and French cut in the second.
I agree that the Evolutions, Grand Concert Select thick blanks, Reserves, and Reserve Classics might be good reeds to try. I personally like the regular Reserves on my clarinet and Reserve Classics on my alto sax.
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