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Re: Same as Legere European, but made by cane?

Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2019-06-20 00:30

The Vandoren reeds you tried are wonderful reeds.

The #4 Legere European Signature is very VERY stiff. I have a very small opening on my mouthpiece (1.00mm) and yet I use a #3 1/2 Legere European Signature reed.

But here is what I think is happening. You like the up close sound which doesn't have any upper partials in it at all which can make you think that is a "dark" sound. What you are getting is a tubby, diffuse sound that won't project no matter how hard you work. If your teacher can play a few notes for you in the room with you during your next lesson, that should give you a better idea of what a clarinet up close should sound like.

I'm also guessing he wants to break you of the plastic reeds in order to get a more clear, projecting sound out of you. Of course he is missing out on a great reed in the Legere if he hasn't tried them yet (finding the right strength of course).

My recommendation would be to listen to your teacher and use a softer cane reed for awhile. You are most likely working WAY too hard and not getting the results you deserve for your effort. In a year or so you can go back to Legere and find the appropriate strength once you have the right sound in your head and the right feel in your embouchure for what really works.

..................Paul Aviles

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