 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2015-03-24 15:49
Hi All,
Some of you may have read my thread on Water Logged Bass Clarinet reeds. I am on the way to solving my problem through a change in reeds. Among the reeds that I'm including in the trials are Legere reeds. When trying a #3, I found it a tad stiff and will see how a 2.75 works next.
I have used Tom Ridenour's ATG system for over a decade and feel very strongly about its value. My street sense tells me that I should be able to make some minor adjustments on the Legeres with the ATG? I've talked to a couple clarinet pals who use these reeds and they do a little tweaking (how, I'm not sure).
Anyone with experience using the ATG with synthetic reeds? Did you follow Tom's instructions for adjustment?
Thanks in advance,
HRL
PS I know that Legere will not accept a reed for exchange that has been altered so I need to be cautious here before diving in.
Post Edited (2015-03-24 21:35)
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Author: feadog79
Date: 2015-03-24 17:20
I've used Legere almost exclusively for about 8 years, on Bb, Eb, and bass clarinet, as well as soprano, alto, and tenor sax. When I've felt the need to adjust them, I've used the ATG system to do so. The reeds don't sand as easily as cane (obviously...), but it does work. I've found the material in the Signature series reeds to be a bit more workable than the standard material. When I made the switch to Legere, I also found I needed to play a bit softer than I was used to with cane.
Good luck!
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2015-03-24 17:24
Feadog,
Just the answer I was looking for. I have quickly realized that I need to use a softer reed.
Thanks for this great feedback!
HRL
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2015-03-24 18:34
Hank,
If you search this site on "boil legere reed" without the quotes, you will find comments on another approach to softening these reeds. The reported results have been mixed. I haven't tried this myself.
Best regards.
jnk
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2015-03-24 19:40
While I don't use the ATG system, I've had success adjusting Legere reeds using conventional methods. They can be softened about half a point by briefly (1 second) dipping the tip half inch in boiling water. As long as your reed clipper is sharp they can be clipped, and they can be thinned using the turned over edge of a packaging knife blade as a scraper. Forestone reeds don't adjust as well, not for me anyway.
Tony F.
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Author: feadog79
Date: 2015-03-24 19:47
I've also had success clipping Legere reeds. Usually, I only do this with reeds that are older, and have softened up a bit. By clipping them and working the tip a little with the ATG system, I get a workable practice/emergency reed...
I had to do this exact thing last night. I'm playing the reed 3 book for "Mary Poppins" and had left a new bass clarinet reed at home by accident. I clipped an old one, worked the tip a little, and had a decent reed to play on for the rehearsal.
J. Wilson
Post Edited (2015-03-24 19:49)
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2015-03-24 20:59
Jack,
Those key words worked just great. Lots of good experiences out there to learn from.
Thanks,
HRL
Post Edited (2015-03-24 21:34)
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2015-04-09 16:17
Hi,
Here's an update on my experience with using the ATG on a Legere #3 Bass Clarinet reed. With several days of very slow work, taking just a little material off the #3 reed, I have a great result. Each time I would play test the reed, it was a little better until I knew it was time to stop.
All I did was use the 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper with the sanding block and followed Tom's DVD instructions; final finish was the 600 grit. I now know that it is possible to make adjustments in a Legere to fit my playing style/ability. Others may not wish to bother.
It turns out that with my Garrett MO MP, a new Legere 2.25 or 2.5 - which I now have - is the best strength; that's about where I have the sanded #3. I will continue to try the reeds with different MPs but I can see that the time and trouble to work slowly and carefully really paid off.
Cheers,
HRL
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Author: donald
Date: 2015-04-09 16:29
I successfully adjust some Legere reeds using sandpaper (actually, using the Reedual as a profiler)... but whatever you do, DON'T try flattening the bottom of the reed by sanding- as you might a cane reed, this does not work.
d
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