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Gonzalez reeds

Author: nbclarinet
Date: 2014-09-30 07:04

Hello all,

I want to buy a box or two of gonzalez GD and or FOFs to try out. Right now I'm using Vandoren Rue Lepics 3.5+ and I find the strength to be perfect but I'm becoming more dissatisfied with the sound that they are giving me.

Do any of you have experience with the GDs VS. the FOFs in terms of how they play.

Also does anyone have a suggestion for which strengths would be equal to a RL 3.5+

Thanks!

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Re: Gonzalez reeds

Author: fskelley
Date: 2014-09-30 07:16

I was given some GD's and purchased FOF's for comparison... both in strength 2.5. I found the GD's comparable in strength to Vandoren blue 2.5's (after my adjustments so that may not apply right out of the box), and similar in playability though quite different in tone from them. Best I can describe is more strident and biting- for now I've concluded not as nice as the blues.

However, the FOF's I was never able to play successfully. Perhaps I needed a higher strength, but even with adjustment they never had enough stiffness for me. The word "wimpy" seems unkind and probably unfair, but that's what I thought every time I played one. Something was definitely out of whack between me, my setup, and these FOF's.

Stan in Orlando

EWI 4000S with modifications

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Re: Gonzalez reeds

Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2014-10-02 01:47

Unfortunately, Gonzalez hasn't yet put the GDs on their clarinet reed comparison index. I prefer softer reeds, and have found that a GD 2.5 is roughly equal to or very slightly harder than a Rue Lepic or a Reserve 2.5. My guess is that you'd want a 3.5 or 3.75 GD.

I tried the FOFs several years ago and didn't have much luck with them, although they might work well for you. My experiences with GDs over the last few months have been very positive.

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Re: Gonzalez reeds

Author: nbclarinet
Date: 2014-10-02 01:49

Thanks a bunch. I ordered some 3.5s in both cuts. Im hoping that'll give me a good approximation and then i can fine tune the strength if need be

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Re: Gonzalez reeds

Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2014-10-02 20:06

I have recently left my Rue56 3-1/2 reeds on the shelf. I absolutely love the Gonzalez FOF reeds. They are very fluid, have a great ring, and sound warm and dark. I find that the FOF reeds run 1/4 strength harder than the Vandoren standard strength - so I'm playing FOF 3-1/4 to match the Rue56 3-1/2. You will love them!

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