Author: William
Date: 2014-08-26 19:28
I think that the "not as good as the best cane" comment is due more to habitual use than actual *sound*. I have been using synthetic reeds for many years now on all of my clarinets--effer, sopranos and bass--as well as all of my saxophoes and I always am complimented for how well my instruments sound. I play in a regional professional symphonic orchestra and several wind ensemble and a sixteen piece big band and use either Legere or Forestone reeds for all. Rather than almost as good or not as good, I would say "better than" in describing the sound of my synthetics, not to mention the no-hassle care these reeds require--no moistening, no break-in period and no tedious balancing required (although I do alter the tip areas sometimes to tweak resistance) Forestone and Legere reeds let you play your instrument without worrying if the reed is going to work. They always do--and never die halfway through the gig.
As for bass clarinet specifically, I have some prototype bass clarinet reeds that Forestone sent me two years ago (sadly, never made available to the public) and some Legere bass reeds, 3.0 & 3.5 that I have been using since I bought my Buffet Prestige low C bass from Lisa--nine years or more (can't recall the exact year). What's important is that Legere reeds play, for me, better than cane ever did and they last forever. Synthetic reeds are the "thing" of the future, and for us clarinetist's, the future is here.....and it is good.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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