 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2016-03-29 19:31
4 weeks in. I've only been playing the Legere European Cut, in a Theater Pit, a Symphonic Orchestra, a Wind Ensemble and a Chamber group. I finally confessed yesterday to my section-mates about my switch. They had no idea. I have received compliments during this time on the beautiful ring in the sound of my A, and my Eb! The Bb and C also sound and feel fabulous. I think I'm home with these!
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2016-03-29 20:10
Originally, I was not impressed with the standard "classic" cut. But, I could see that this was better than any other synthetic, so I kept the faith. I really liked the Ontario Cut, but never fully converted, just was my theater reed. Also - really liked the Quebec Cut - this one did Theater and some Wind Ensemble gigs for me. Then, of course, they were discontinued. My initial test of the Signature was not good. When I do something, I do it - I had ordered 6 Signatures, 3-1/4 to 3-3/4, to home-in. I found them stuffy. Threw them in a drawer, and ordered a batch of boxes of Rue56. On a lark, threw a Signature 3-1/4 on the Eb, a month and a half back, and found it resplendent! What the heck? Put them on the Bb, and was quite pleased, but not enough to convert fully. Got in the first (now 2nd & 3rd) batch of the European Cut, and haven't looked back! For me, they've finally nailed it! Now, where to store all those boxes of Rue56?
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: MarlboroughMan
Date: 2016-03-29 20:26
Thanks Ken.
I've played Classics, German cut, and the occasional Ontario for years. The Signatures didn't work for me, and I wondered if this European Cut was a descendant of the Ontario/Quebec cuts which were discontinued around the time they launched.
I'll probably stick to Classics (in general they've worked for me very well over the years), but I've generally preferred European classical clarinet sound concepts to American, so reeds made for that market intrigue me...
Eric
******************************
The Jazz Clarinet
http://thejazzclarinet.blogspot.com/
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Author: cxgreen48
Date: 2016-03-29 22:09
How does the European cut strength compare to the Signatures? I specifically am looking for something slightly harder than a 3.5 Signature and slightly softer than a 3.75 Signature.
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2016-03-29 23:45
Others have said that the European Cut runs softer than the Signature. I have NOT found that to be true. The hardness factor, to me, feels identical. But, to give it a go - I would venture a guess that you're going to like the 3-3/4 (3.75).
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: The Pin
Date: 2016-03-30 00:47
Did you purchase the European Cut reeds direct from Legere or at a retail outlet?
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2016-03-30 01:16
I ordered from Legere, direct - but they ship from a US distribution point.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: fernie51296
Date: 2016-03-30 03:05
They are great. I'm happy using Steuer reeds, but the European is my back up in case my can reeds fail me. Way better than the regular Signature.
I found myself needing a quarter size harder for the European compared to the regular signature. I think the difference of strength is different up and down the strength spectrum. There being a bigger difference the softer you go.
Fernando
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Author: TomS
Date: 2016-03-30 07:18
It is important to keep in mind that while Legere reeds are more consistent and stable than cane reeds, they do vary a bit in strength and response ... I'd say about +/- 1/8 strength. So, they are not perfect ... I can play all of them but find about 1 out of 3 really very, very good.
And, my impression is that the Signature reeds are about 1/4 strength HARDER than the Classic ... Go figure.
I use Legere because I like the sound I get, not so much the consistency and stability.
Gonna order the European cut when pay day comes around ...
Tom
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Author: faltpihl ★2017
Date: 2016-03-30 14:52
Has anyone seen a strength chart when using them for German mouthpieces?
My understanding is that this model replaces the German and French reeds?
(I'm using Steuer #2.5/#3 or white master #2.5/#3)
Edit: i tried them today at a local dealer. They worked quite good so I got one.
About #4 seemed similar to my German 2,5-3
Regards
Peter
Post Edited (2016-03-30 18:27)
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Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2016-03-31 16:15
Does anyone know who has these for purchase in North America right now other than Legere? Even Weiner Music has a limited selection at the moment.
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2016-03-31 21:51
Legere Direct still gets your order to you within 4 to 5 days, no issues.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2016-03-31 23:35
David,
I believe I read somewhere (reliable) that your brother-in-Backun, Ricardo Morales, has gone completely over to synthetics.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2016-04-01 01:54
Mr. Blumberg:
I completely respect that a player's perception of their sound not being up to snuff with a particular reed brand and model is an entirely reasonable reason to not use the product.
So even if it was you alone who perceived sound deficiencies with the Legere Europe Signatures--heck even if others didn't hear it, or thought you sounded better, you've got to be comfortable with the reed you play.
But that said, was that sound deficiency you report self realized and/or one listeners reported or concurred with (as well)?
Just curious sir. There's no story to tell how this was the case for me, as I simply haven't tried the product yet.
Thanks.
Post Edited (2016-04-01 01:58)
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2016-04-01 02:19
The reed felt comfortable, no problem there, but had no ping to it at all.
I recorded a duet with a Navy Band player from Italy (very good player who plays a MoBa also) and did not like my sound.
If I don't like it, it's all over. If I like it, and a colleague does not, I would give it a strong second thought. But myself - end game.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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