Author: Bob Barnhart ★2017
Date: 2019-05-04 22:07
I've played Dolces for the past two years and love their warm sound and response. For the past year I've played Dolce #4s on a Backun Arabesque (1.19 x L facing). This strength is similar to the Vandoren Blue Box #3 reeds that I played for many years prior.
As noted above, I find that half a box are probably concert quality, and most of the rest, with some adjustment, are nearly as good. With proper break-in, they last for several months. Because (for me) the Arabesque feels like it wants a somewhat stronger reed, perhaps 2-3 reeds in a box will feel a too soft and I don't like to clip them because they have a perfect tip shape. I tried Dolce 4.5s but while they were stiffer, they also seemed less pliant/flexible--I felt more at the mercy of the reed's characteristics and less able to voice things the way I wanted.
I spoke to Clark Fobes who recommended that I tried the Pilgerstorfer Exquisit reeds. I've played both the 1.5 and 2.0 strengths and find that the 1.5s are probably equivalent to the Dolce 4s. However, I prefer the sound of the 2s after I've worked them down a bit--they are full, round and resonant.
So for now, I'm sticking with mostly the Dolce 4s and the occasional Exquisit 2.
(BTW, I have tried one Aria, I think it was a 4, but it felt too soft and for me did not have the same liveliness that the Dolces have. Granted this was not a fair test, but I've not been inclined to try other makes of reeds after trying the PIlgerstorfers)
Bob Barnhart
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