 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Kirk
Date: 2001-06-27 00:52
As a novice (3 months)clarinetist, I am confused about different kinds of reeds. How does a Rico 2 differ from a Vandoren 2 and what is special about Vandoren's V12 ? How can I tell if I have the reed in the right place ? Any info will be a blessing !
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-06-27 01:44
It takes a little time to become familiar with reeds in general. However here are some basics that are true most of the time although there are exceptions.
Vandoren reeds run harder than other brands for the same number. For example a Vandoren #2 is about the same as the Rico #1.5
Vandoren V12 is what they call a thick blank reed. If you look at the bottom of the reed (not the tip), it will be thicker than the standard Vandoren. Some people prefer thick blank and others prefer standard. Niether is better. It is simply a matter of personal preference.
*Plain* Rico reeds are very inexpensive and the quality reflects that. Unless you break a lot of reeds, buy something a little better. Rico makes several different kinds that are good. Mitchell Lurie is one of their lines and is very good.
As a beginner, don't go on the great reed hunt as you haven't the experience and it will pull your attention away from practicing. Practice is the most important thing right now. Simply buy good quality reeds in the appropriate strength. For beginners, I recommened a Mitchell Lurie 2.5 and that is what I started both my daughters on. If you get Vandorens, my recommendation would be a 2.
Start with the tip of the reed even with the end of the mouthpiece. This should do for a beginner. If it doesn't seem to play well, move the reed up or down just a hair.
If you have a private teacher, follow their recommendation. If you don't have a private teacher consider getting one.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-06-27 11:12
Dee wrote:
>
> Vandoren reeds run harder than other brands for the same
> number. For example a Vandoren #2 is about the same as the
> Rico #1.5
OOPS! Meant Vandoren #2 is about the same as Rico #2.5
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Author: Micaela
Date: 2001-06-27 22:52
Here's a strength comparison chart. You need Acrobat Reader to view it:
http://www.intlmusicalsuppliers.com/pdf/WWCOMPAR.PDF
This one's a little less complete but doesn't require Acrobat:
http://www.woodwindbrasswind.com/Media/char20.gif
I'd also recommend Mitchell Lurie reeds for a beginner.
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Author: Kirk
Date: 2001-06-28 00:45
Thanks for the info ! I have been playing on Vandoren regular #2 and find them easiest to use. My brother bought me a box of the V-12's 2.5 by mistake and what a difference. They are hard to blow on. I thought it was just something I was doing wrong. Also, I am going to check out both of the reed websites suggested. Anything I can learn can only help me become a better player.
Now if I can only master the middle A to upper B and C break.....LOL
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Author: clarinet_girl
Date: 2001-06-28 03:20
I started on Vandoren 2 1/2's , and now I am playing on Vandoren 4's,Vandoren 3 1/2's Vandoren V-12 3 1/2's or Legere (the plastic reeds) 3 3/4's. You should start on a Vandoren 2 or 2 1/2 and move up to a harder reed after about half a year. (I was forced to move on to harder reeds by my teacher). Try to stay with one reed brand the first few years.
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Author: David
Date: 2001-06-28 16:20
LaVoz reeds seemed to work well for me. Those were the reeds I used when I mastered the A/B/C break, adn the transition seems to work nicely. I have never used Vandoreens (Believe it or not) so I can't tell much about them.
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Author: Bob R
Date: 2001-07-09 20:10
Reeds ! Reeds ! Reeds !
I'll start by saying there is no magic reed out there that will make you a master musician. A reed that works well for one person, may not work as well for another. Here are some of my observations from experience. (Opinion not absolute fact)
1. The harder the reed, the more air support you need.
2. Harder reeds can deliver a darker richer sound with the right air support.
3. Rico reeds tend to be easier to get a sound on, but deliver a brighter tone.
4. Mitchell Lurie reeds deliver a richer sound than Rico, but are harder to play on.
5. Vandoren reeds also deliver a richer sound than Rico, but require more time to break in. However, they tend to last longer than Mitchell Lurie.
6. Glotin and Olivieri reeds are among the best made, but will require some reed work to get playing the way you want.
I generally buy Glotin or Vandoren #4 or #4.5 strength reeds and do some reed work on them.
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