The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Megan
Date: 2001-03-26 01:34
Hello everybody! I'm in the market for some new reeds. I've been playing on Zonda 4's for about 3 years now, and I love them, but they get soft way too quickly. I've tried Vandoren's and Alexander Superials and I don't like either one of those. They give me a clear tone but it's very bright. So those are out. I was thinking about some Branchers or Opera Reeds, what do you guys think?
Thanks
Meg
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jbutler
Date: 2001-03-26 02:11
Megan,
Which type Superials did you try, the Superial, DC or Classique? Tom Alexander (the owner of the company) suggests that if you buy the Classique that you use a half strength harder than you would in other brands. I prefer the sound of the DC myself, but I'm not a "classical" performer.
John
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tammy
Date: 2001-03-26 02:58
have any of you tried peter ponzol? what do you think of them?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hiroshi
Date: 2001-03-26 03:59
The reeds I tried in the past year were:
Rico Grand Concert - Evolution,
Steuer - French cut,
Rigotti - Gold.
Zonda-Classic.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2001-03-26 18:00
Daniel's Reeds are as good as any commercial brand. They're made of excellent cane and take very well to adjustment.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Megan
Date: 2001-03-27 00:58
I tried just regular Superials, size 3.5, I usually use a 4 but I thought they might be soft so I aimed down a little bit.
What Daniel reeds are you talking about Ken?
I've never heard of any called that before.
Thanks Guys,
Meg
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mike Irish
Date: 2001-03-28 00:25
Hey....
I would like to make a suggestion.... it may or may not be feasible for you.....
but that would be to check out each reed on your own.....
I know that it can be an added expense, but then you know what you like..
first and most, ensure the reed(s) you pick to work with, are known for their consistancy in quality.... I have tryed different ones and really like the mitchell lurie... I am using a number 3... my son has good tone and play quality with them also, even thour he is using 2.5 ( band director dont want any one above an 2.5 )
my other son uses van doran 2.5.... alot may be with individual tast in the tone (such as bright, deep mellow and other discriptions )
use suggestions from others that you know that also use different reeds too....
***** most the kids in this area are still using the cheapy rico reeds, *******
have fun and enjoy...
Mike
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: larryb
Date: 2001-03-29 18:32
I would never use a reed called "Sinus"
Gives me nausea just thinking about it
Daniels reeds do exist - they're Italian and pretty good. I think the packaging is excessive - each reed comes in its own black plastic, theoretically reusable holder.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: David Kinder
Date: 2001-03-30 09:24
I love using the Rico Grand Concert Thick Blank reeds. I use a #4 1/2 and they are awesome for me (and I can buy them locally). Give them a shot!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Francesca
Date: 2001-03-30 21:37
I'm trying the Opera reeds right now and they seem pretty good. I bought them too soft so it's not the exact tone I want, but they're nice. I also use Vandorens, Glotins and Mitchell Lurie. (my person favorite) I agree that you have to try them for yourself. My instructor hates Grand Concerts, but I can't live without them sometimes. Have fun!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Megan
Date: 2001-03-30 23:10
Hey guys, thanks for all the advice. It seems kind of odd to me that most of you like Mitchell Lurie. I have always had problems getting a good tone out of them, and they seem awfully thin. But I'm glad they work for all of you:) I've also had similar problems with VanDoren, and I even play on a 5RVLyre, so I have no clue what's happening. Well thanks again,
Meg
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jerry
Date: 2001-03-31 06:42
Meg,
I am green at this and can't offer much advice. However, after six months of playing (rather stuggling to play) I just switched ligitures (same reed literally) and it was like changing to an entirely new instrument. Struggling all this time and VIOLA! what an awakening. People here on the BB have told me that I would struggle for awhile, hit a plateau, then struggle some more, and so on.............I didn't know this is how it would be. I feel like I can now get some significant practice in. BTW, I too use M L # 2 1/2's.
Good luck.
~ jerry
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: DrBert
Date: 2001-04-04 22:54
Well this is a bit later than all the others but I''m putting in my two cents... actually probobly more like a nickel. Good VanDorens are great..... just good luck on finding a good one. I've found VanDorens are probobly the least consistant brand of reed I have ever seen. Of course you can get the VanDoren selects... of course those are just a wee bit expensive. I've been using Luries for a long time, they are fairly consisitant and are pretty good just not as good as a good Vandoren. Ricos well they are peices of crap only to be used when you are broke and/or just need some reeds. I'm currently starting to try a box of Grand Concert Selects.... I'll see how good those are.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
|