Author: Micke Isotalo ★2017
Date: 2019-05-28 23:46
Sounds strange. The tip width of the Black Master reeds should be the same as on the "Blue box" reeds. I just checked a BM Traditional reed against a "Blue box" one, and the only differences was that the BM was shorter in total length and the bottom end of the BM was slightly narrower (thus the sides of the reed are slightly v-shaped, as on the Rue Le Pic's and V21's). However, I couldn't see any difference at all in the tip width.
A typical tip width on both Austrian (as the BM) and French cut reeds is 13 mm, while on German cut reeds it is typically 12 mm.
While the dimensions of Austrian and French cut reeds are either the same or very close, the strength markings are not. In my experience, an Austrian cut reed is typically about 1,5 strength grade stiffer compared to a French cut reed. As an example, a Black Master #3 would be about the same strength as a "Blue Box" #4,5. Thus your BM #5,0 would be equivalent to a "Blue Box" #6,5 - if such ones existed. About the same applies to German cut reeds (as the White Master) versus French cut ones.
Thus if a "Blue box" #5,0 is your usual strength, a BM #5,0 should have been very, very stiff for you.
Could it be possible that you got fake reeds? There should be a printed code on each reed which you can verify on the Vandoren Web site for authenticity. Or that you got White Master or Eb-reeds wrongly labeled as Black Master reeds, or in the wrong package? What does the label on the reed say?
Post Edited (2019-05-30 10:52)
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