 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Shostakovich
Date: 2016-02-19 03:35
Hi,
One other thread exists on this subject from a couple of years ago, but at that time very few people had used these reeds. I was hoping to hear any feelings people might have about this product. I've tried Forestone's regular reeds and found that they are great, but lack projection and dynamic range.
I'm tempted to try the black bamboo variety, because it is advertised as having "increased resistance and great projection".
Thoughts?
Thanks.
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Author: Presto ★2017
Date: 2016-02-19 04:16
My experience is that they are easy blowing, easy to articulate but still thin and muted sounding. It's not my first trial, I have experimented with the various Forestone clarinet reed offerings since they came to market a few years ago. I play 3.5 vandoren traditional equivalent in cane and tried their Black Bamboo H strength.
Over the last year I've been round the ring trying to get off cane and have spent a hell of a lot of money on mouthpieces and synthetic reeds. I am now right back where I started. VD traditional. The closest I came was with Legere signature but while I did find an excellent one the next time I ordered the same strength it was not the same, so consistency reed to reed an issue there. Still I feel it's close. Maybe the new 'European' version will work better for me 'cause I know I will try again!!!
Regards
Jim
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2016-02-19 07:37
Hey Jim,
I too found a dead end on the synthetic reeds......on the first attempt. But if you are up for one more try, I found a great result out of German cut Legeres on a straight up German mouthpiece. The mouthpiece that is easiest to try for this (pitch, tenon/barrel size matching) is the Viotto (I like the N1). It is a great pairing with Vandoren White Master number 2 1/2 strength reeds but with the Legeres I use a number 3 strength reed. So far the results are pretty amazing. intonation is a bit low you might consider a barrel that is 2mm shorter than what you presently find comfortable.
Certainly NOT a trial to be taken lightly by any means but HIGHLY worth while!
..............Paul Aviles
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Author: Presto ★2017
Date: 2016-02-19 10:43
Thank you for that information Paul. I had a quick look at the Bas de Jong website. Did you have to order a specially modified version of the N1 to fit your French set up?
Jim
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2016-02-19 14:25
Well see here's the deal. The difference in the mouthpieces is literally just in the last 2mm of the tenon. Viotto shaves of 1mm of diameter (to fit into a standard French barrel) and shaves of 1mm of length (this helps to raise the pitch a little too as well as keep mouthpiece from sticking out about top of standard French barrel).
There is no further acoustic modification at all. The interesting part of that is that it is not really necessary. Yes, the approach to intonation does change, but the parameters are all easily accessible. The up sides are quite wonderful, if you are willing to make the switch.
One further issue is that German mouthpiece have a thinner body than French mouthpieces to a significant degree. None of your current ligatures will work. You can order German sized Vandorens Optimum and M/O from retailers such as Thomann and Maxton, respectively.......or use string in the meantime.
.................Paul Aviles
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