Author: MarkS
Date: 2019-10-06 18:56
I switched from Legere European signature (3.75) to Alta Ambipoly (4.0) about two months ago for B-flat/A clarinets. I am using a Grabner Virtuoso mouthpiece (moderately open) with Silverstein A-style ligature. For me, it is working out very well. Tone quality is more consistently good across the entire range. Also, I can do minor adjustments in resistance by shifting the reed up or down. Doing this for the Legere reeds ruined the tone quality. Supposedly, the Ambipoly reeds can also be adjusted using sandpaper or knife, but I hesitate to try this on a $39 reed.
The only downsides so far have been that I need to soak the reed for a few minutes before playing (warm water works best). Moistening by mouth does not work as well and leaves the reed extremely resistant when beginning to play. I also notice that often after about 45 minutes of playing, the lower notes (middle C and below) may sound "buzzy." I can compensate for this by moving the reed up slightly.
I have been alternating between two reeds, but am not sure that is necessary. So far, no noticeable deterioration in either reed.
Overall, the reeds perform like excellent cane reeds.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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