 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Funfly
Date: 2014-06-09 19:18
This post is about sax but I thought this would be the best place to ask.
I use Legere Signature synthetic reeds on my clarinet
I had a Vandoren B45 and changed to a Vandoren CL5 which was a great improvement for me. I changed after trying dozens of mouthpieces so I am sure this was the right one for me.
There must be something in the design of the CL5 that is different to the B45 and worked so well for me.
I have an alto sax with a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece and I find it difficult to play the Legere Signature synthetic reed on it (although a wooden reed is fine).
I will be looking for a new mouthpiece for my alto sax but, based on the fact that the CL5 plays the synthetic reeds so well for me on the clarinet, is there an equivalent for alto sax?
Would appreciate the views of the sages on here.
Martyn Thatcher Mature Student Cheshire U.K.
Clarinet - Yamaha SE Custom
Alto Sax - Yamaha YAS 480
Guitar - Yamaha FG 375-S
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-06-09 21:24
The person to ask would be John Moses, a frequent contributer to this board. He helped to design the Signature series reed and is a fantastic doubler.
.................Paul Aviles
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Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2014-06-09 21:41
If you like/play Vandorens, try AL3 or AL4. They are a good choice. Not sure if it works well with Legere.
Other one to try is Selmer Larry Teal. And you can't go wrong with C*.
Also with respect to sax MPCs, ask at sax-on-the-web. Here is one of the threads on classical MPC:
http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?54124-vandoren-optimum-al-3-or-al4
http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?67989-Yamaha-4C-vs-Selmer-C* (for soprano but you get the idea)
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Author: TomS
Date: 2014-06-09 22:16
Glad to hear that more people are having success with the synthetic reeds. I've used Legere regular cuts on a M30-lyre for many months ... tried cane again for a while and came back to plastic. Now have Quebec and Signature on order ...
What do you like about your new VD clarinet MP?
Tom
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Author: Funfly
Date: 2014-06-11 19:03
I have tried a few mouthpieces and finally decided on the Otto Link 5*
Sorry this is on the clarinet forum but I have been trying to find out what it is about a mouthpiece that makes it play synthetic reeds easier. Part of the answer must be in the gap between the mouthpiece end and the reed and I believe that a slightly wider gap helps with synthetic. I would like to suggest to anyone who cannot get on with synthetic reeds to try a different mouthpiece.
Please understand that my liking for synthetic reeds is from the point of view of a student player where, perhaps, I am not looking for concert solo level of tone, but the ability to play decently and with reasonable results.
When I get to performance level then I will decide whether to get involved with the alchemy that seems to be associated with cane reeds.
Martyn Thatcher Mature Student Cheshire U.K.
Clarinet - Yamaha SE Custom
Alto Sax - Yamaha YAS 480
Guitar - Yamaha FG 375-S
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Author: Bruno
Date: 2014-06-11 19:08
Not that anybody gives a dam, but I hate artificial reeds. They do a number on my bottom lip - a fine, deep vibration that gives me goosebumps.
Thank the Lord for cane!
B>
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-06-12 01:10
That is an interesting effect. I can't say the I've experienced anything like that. For me, the only tactile difference is that the synthetic reed is incredibly smooth.
..............Pau Aviles
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Author: donald
Date: 2014-06-12 14:43
I have the opposite problem- I use a Legere on the saxophone almost all the time (for concert performances, recordings and live broadcast on Radio NZ) but can't find a mouthpiece/legere set up that works for me on clarinet.
On Saxophone I use a Legere 2.75 or 3 with the Vandoren AL3 "optimum" mouthpiece (yes, they have a sax mouthpiece with the same name as the ligature). The 2.75 when I am with a small group or orchestra (Milhaud Creation last year) and the 3 when I'm doing shows/non classical playing
dn
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-06-12 15:11
I am NOT a doubler, nor have I ever played (or desired to play) saxophone. I say that so you know kinda how I approach the clarinet embouchure. That said, I am settling in on a formula that works for me which does start off being a little firmer than I like but is the best compromise for Legere reeds on clarinet. That is, I use the Quebec Cut (they have the strongest heart) in the same strength as I do with Vandorens. If you use a 2.75 Vandoren on "X" clarinet mouthpiece, use a 2.75 Legere Quebec on that mouthpiece.
I offer that up as a possible starting point since there are lots of compromises with these reeds on Boehm Bb clarinet, but if that doesn't work for you, you can find a timbre and articulation combination that sounds pretty close if you really work at it (time and investment of money). Oh and they do 'blow' differently so you do need to play on them for a while (I mean weeks and months) to learn how to do that.
...............Paul Aviles
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Author: efsf081
Date: 2014-06-12 17:36
On clarinet I use cl4 and legere signature 3 3/4. On saxophone, I use AL4 and forestone reed 3 1/2.
I tried legere signature on saxophone before. It is too hard to play even I used a 2 1/2.
I also tried forestone reed on clarinet, it is too soft.
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Author: TAS
Date: 2014-06-14 07:51
I agree. Reeds that are not cane are not reeds.
Just as vuvuzelas are not brass instruments.
TAS
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2014-06-14 08:16
Vuvuzelas are made of plastic, but even if they were brass, they would not be musical instruments.
![[rotate]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smiley25.gif)
Ken Shaw
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2014-06-14 14:26
I just saw a purple plastic trombone at a local music store. If only I was a brass player I would have tried it.
Wait a minute, then an all metal flute or a "paper clip" contra bass clarinet would not be a woodwind instrument (?).
..............Paul Aviles
Post Edited (2014-06-14 16:13)
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Author: concertmaster3
Date: 2014-06-14 20:00
I'd suggest the Vandoren AL3, and I'm not a huge fan of Vandoren Mouthpieces, but I like this one. I'm not sure how a Legere would sound on these. My professor wasn't a fan on Legere on them, but likes the mouthpiece overall.
There's also these http://www.playnick.at/index.php?cmd=s&id=92 which are designed for Legere reeds. I believe that this is the mouthpiece that my professor is using with his Legere reeds. If it is the correct one, he's quite fond of the mouthpiece with the Legere reed option.
Hope this helps.
Ron
Ron Ford
Woodwind Specialist
Performer/Teacher/Arranger
http://www.RonFordMusic.com
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Author: donald
Date: 2014-06-14 23:54
Every so often I wish this forum had a "like" button...
"Vuvuzelas are made of plastic, but even if they were brass, they would not be musical instruments." (thanks Ken Shaw)
Meanwhile- re the AL3, nice to see that a couple of people (including a bona fide classical saxophonist) agreeing with the "doubler" about this!
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Author: Steven Ocone
Date: 2014-06-15 22:47
The standard Legere sax reeds are hard compared to the same strength in other brands. The Studio Cut model is much closer to what you would expect.
Steve Ocone
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