 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: SarahC
Date: 2016-02-04 02:50
I can't believe how many synthetic reeds are available.
Has anyone tried any, and have any opinions on the numerous brands available.
(I thought I would ask before i put in an order with WWBW...)
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2016-02-04 03:03
Sarah,
Have you done a search? There are a lot of threads and a lot of opinions.
Use Legere as a search word and you'll find plenty to read.
HRL
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Author: SarahC
Date: 2016-02-04 03:16
Haha. Ok just found the search function.
Mostly talking about legere, but it seems like they are the most highly recommended, so might them then!
Thanks
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2016-02-04 03:43
Look further as there are mentions of lots of other reeds.
I regularly use Legere' for alto and tenor sax as well as Bb soprano and bass clarinet. Often a 1/2 strength less than I use on Vandoren or similar cane reeds.
HRL
Post Edited (2016-02-04 07:36)
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2016-02-04 03:57
I think the "convention" (for what it is worth) is to start with 1/4 strength less than an equivalent Vandoren (if you use a #3 Vandoren = 2 3/4 Legere). That is to start. The cut on French that I like the best is the Standard (use to be Quebec, but they don't make that anymore).
I have to toss this out there because it is my current "work in progress," that the Vandoren German cut reeds get a VERY good result on German mouthpieces. Still to my ears and tastes not as good a cane but a MUCH closer difference than on French system (Boehm) mouthpieces.
................Paul Aviles
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Author: fernie51296
Date: 2016-02-04 05:55
I'm actually liking the clarity of sound I get with a 3.25 signature Legere reed on my B40 13. I use it along with my blue box Vandoren 3 reeds. From testing out many strengths of Legere on many mouthpieces I've found that in the higher strengths they run hard and in the lower they run soft.
For example: on my B40 I use a Vandoren 3 but use a Legere 3.25. But on the m13 Lyre I use a Vandoren 4 and 3.75 Legere.
Fernando
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Author: GeorgeL ★2017
Date: 2016-02-04 18:24
If you know other clarinetists in your area, ask them if you can try any synthetic reeds they may have but no longer use. (I believe the same human immune system which enables us to kiss someone and not get sick will enable us to use someone's reed and not get sick; especially if the reed has not been used for weeks). It may help you narrow your choices.
For me, Forestone reeds work best, although I also have Legere and Bari reeds. Compared to most of the people posting on the forum, I am not a reed expert; if it blows freely, and the instrument is reasonably in tune, I am happy with it.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2016-02-04 22:38
Dear GeorgeL,
I am looking at starting some experiments with the German cut Legere (available through Thomann.com).
Question: If it is possible to compare strength to Vandoren or Legere, where do the Forestone fall (equivalent, much softer, much harder)?
Thanks in advance,
................Paul Aviles
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Author: knotty
Date: 2016-02-05 02:48
I want to gain a lot more experience with cane reeds. Seems kind of a shame to not know what other clarinetists have gone through when all they had were cane reeds for decades if one goes to synthetic too fast.
~ Musical Progress: None ~
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Author: TomS
Date: 2016-02-05 05:12
I have also found that the Legere reeds are stronger than the equivalent markings of Vandoren. I can easily play on V12 3.5 or 3.5+ (after balancing, reeds that are unbalanced play "stiff" ... BTW, the 56s seem to be better balanced out of the box) But I need a Legere Classic #3 or a Legere Signature #2.75 on the same MP.
Strangely, although Legere advertises to the contrary, I have found the Signatures to be at least 1/4 strength stronger than the Classics. The Signatures articulate with more crispness, but are also brighter and thinner sounding, IMHO.
Since Legere does not change the cut of the reeds to change the strength, adjusting only the formula for stiffness, a softer Legere reed may also have a mellower timbre as well, because the material stiffness is less.
Also, you will find that the Legere get a bit softer after the first few days, maybe 1/8 to 1/4 strength softer, settle down and then after a long while, start losing their snap and center. Then it's time to set them aside and later you may have a MP that will work well on the reeds that were "worn out". Don't throw them away, I have Legeres that are a decade old in storage!
Tom
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