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Re: Help on reed sizes!!

Author: Bob Barnhart ★2017
Date: 2018-11-19 22:13

Like you, I have played VD Traditional 3s on my B40s and Kessler-Backun IIIs for many years. Like Nellsonic, I found the Steuer (Exclusive) 3s to have a very robust/dark sound. Also, my best friend has been playing Steuer (Classic) reeds for several years with great success. However, ultimately I felt they were just a bit too much work to make them play the way I wanted.

Over the last year, I have switched to Pilgerstorfer reeds and have been very pleased with them. They play a bit softer than the equivalently marked Vandoren reeds. I found that a P/S Dolce 3.5 was about like a VD Traditional 3. I find that they have a nice, velvety sound, good response and are quite consistent. You can order these from Clark Fobes who also carries Pilgerstorfer Morre and Rondo cuts, as well as sampler packs that may help you to select something that works for you. (He also carries Peter Leuthner reeds which I felt are reminiscent of the Steuer reeds).

If you really like the VD Traditional and feel the 3.5s are too stiff, you could try adjusting them. I find that buying a cut that is a little heavy and working it down to the desired strength/response/tone has many advantages, if you have the time/patience. Currently, I'm using a Reed Geek (which is amazing at getting a non-responsive reed to play well), reed rush and sandpaper (400 grit) to adjust my reeds. I rotate reeds and spend a little time with each over a period of perhaps a week to adjust them. As I'm retired, I do have the time, and the cost of simply buying reeds and throwing away bad ones is unacceptable.

I'm sure with some research and diligence you can find the right brand/cut of reed, and perhaps some adjustment techniques, that will allow you to achieve the desired results.

Bob Barnhart
Yamaha CSGs, Backun Arabesque, Pilgerstorfer 4-4.5

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