 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: anonrob
Date: 2019-08-06 17:01
I am looking for a reed cut like a Blue box Vandoren that is slightly stronger than a 3. If Vandoren made a 3.0+ or 3.25 it would be perfect. The Selmer 3.0 are comfortable, but no longer in production. V 21 and v12 3.5 are good, but I really prefer the traditional cut of the Blue box. Any suggestions? And, before anyone asks, I could work blue box 3.5 down, but I prefer starting as close to my target strength as possible.
Thanks in advance.
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Author: Bob Barnhart ★2017
Date: 2019-08-06 22:30
I played Blue Box 3.0s for many years. For the last two years I’ve played Pilgerstorfer Dolce 4s that I feel are superior in every respect: tone, response, pliancy and longevity. I do small adjustments with reed rush and a Reed Geek and find that 3/4 of my reeds play well or great. Almost none are unplayable, unlike my experience with the Traditional Vandorens.
Bob Barnhart
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Author: anonrob
Date: 2019-08-06 23:43
Thanks. I think I tried those a few years ago but bought way too soft. I may try again.
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Author: Bob Barnhart ★2017
Date: 2019-08-07 01:50
The right strength may depend on your facing curve. The Dolce 4s work for me on my B40s (1.19xML), Kessler-Backun IIIs (1.16xML) and Backun Arabesque (1.19xL). I tried the Dolce 4.5s, but they were too stiff and not pliant enough. If I want a stiffer Reed, I will use the Pilgerstorfer Exquisit #2.
Although I prefer the Dolce, you might like the Pilgerstorfer Morre or Rondo reeds. I think their 3.5s are a bit stiffer than the B/B 3s and they play more like the Traditionals.
Good luck!
Bob Barnhart
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Author: TomS
Date: 2019-08-08 09:33
I vote for the Pilgerstorfers Dolce ... if #4 too soft, try a #4 1/2.
Being and old dude, I use the strong #3 1/2 or the soft #4 on, very often, a Reserve Evolution MP. They work well on the VD MPs well, too. I save the strong ones for closer facing MP and vice-versa. About 80% can be used that way.
Free blowing, big sound, warm, good center, a pleasure to play and they hold up well.
I've stopped doing anything to my reeds, lately ... nothing. I shift them up/down/left/right on MP. Most important thing is to keep them in a constant humidity at about 72% ... don't let them completely dry (will warp and/or get unresponsive) or get too damp (will mold). A new, unwrapped box kept at this humidity for a couple of weeks before using seems to help the consistency.
Cane and/or cut of the Pilgerstorfers is, IMHO, much better than VDs and they are often less expensive.
My two cents ...
Tom
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Author: anonrob
Date: 2019-08-10 19:16
Thanks. I will report back with results of the search. I mean, how hard can if be to find a really good clarinet reed?
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Author: Doug Leach
Date: 2019-08-11 04:59
I would recommend either the Brad Behn Aria, or Peter Leuthner French cut professional. If a V21 3.5 worked ok for you, I would try the Leuthner's at 3.5 or the Aria's at 4.0. I currently play the Arias, and just love them. although the Leuthners were outstanding as well. Never had less than 8 good reeds from a box. Generally 9, sometimes 10.
https://www.clarinetmouthpiece.com/reeds-clarinet
Doug
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Author: Ken Lagace
Date: 2019-08-11 17:21
It is so important to learn to tweak reeds for your style and comfort.
Just like 'there is a fantastic sculpture in every fine piece of marble (research Michelangelo's David), there is a fantastic reed in every fine piece of cane.
The Pilgerstorfers, Brad Behn Arias, and Peter Leuthners have much better cane than any Vandoren reed.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2019-08-11 21:12
WELL...............
Not every piece of cane is "fine," and we (and by that I mean ME) are not all Michelangelo with a reed knife.
....................Paul Aviles
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