 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Kathy
Date: 2001-10-24 14:04
What strength is recommended if you are trying
Moree reeds and you are presently using a Vandoren
V12 3 1/2. I have tried 2 1/2 and they are very
hard. Do they come in 2 1/4? Thanks
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-10-24 14:28
Aren't Moree reeds long since discontinued? The stocks that are being sold now will sooner or later run out. It would be unwise to switch knowing that you will have to find something else later.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2001-10-24 14:52
Moree reeds, as you know are only available at Marks Music
http://www.marksmusic.com/reeds.html
They still have them in stock (they bought the entire known inventory when Moree stopped producing) , however certain strengths are sold out. The French 2 1/4 I believe is gone, but the German 2 1/4 might still be available.They are pricey ($29.95/box), but eventually will be totally gone. Remember, that the Moree reeds you purchase are at least 20 years old - which could be good or bad.
Best to call Marks Music and ask for Maria Marks. She will give you details as to what might still be available...GBK
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-10-24 15:29
I can certainly understand someone who has been using them all along sticking with them until there is no choice but to change. However it makes no sense to switch to them when the supply is not being refreshed especially if the newest ones available are 20 years old.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2001-10-24 15:53
Well...if the reeds are great reeds, (that is if you like them, others mileage may vary) why not use them until they run out? Some have stated it would be senseless, but it might be good to use them and when they are gone, worry about that when the time comes. I would much rather play on some great reeds while I can. As to the age of the reeds, many people like aged cane. It may be more stable, and well cured. I don't think the Morre reeds are necessarily more than 20 years old, as I was able to get them new about 12 years ago and sometime later production stopped.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2001-10-24 16:01
Since the supply is finite, I simply think that they should be left to those people who have used them all along. By the way I don't use Moree reeds so have no vested interest in lengthening the availability.
How do you know that the ones you bought 12 years ago were "new" rather than simply unopened and unused? What is the date that Moree quit production?
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Author: GBK
Date: 2001-10-24 18:36
Correction to my first post:
Moree reeds stopped production in approximately 1988. However, some of the stock that remains at Marks Music does date from the 70's however.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2001-10-25 17:02
I suppose that to use the same argument, since we have been told that the supply of good grenadilla is finite, all new players of the clarinet should use greenline clarinets, or find another alternative.
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Author: Peter
Date: 2001-10-25 20:13
Clarinets are different. They are not disposable. If I bought a new wood clarinet today that I was lucky enough for it not to split in the first few weeks like so many are doing, I could, conceivably take care of it and keep it for 100 years, or so.
As to the reeds, I can't make up my mind which side to take here, if any.
Dee makes a really excellent point. If the issue is choosing a new reed, there are some really good ones out there, which are currently produced and have no expectation of declining in production.
This is definitely better for long term use of a product that will, hopefully, be consistent in its properties to allow the player to "play" the same reed all the time, for yeard top come.
On the other hand, human nature's inherent hedonism dictates that we should partake in whatever delicacies life should offer for as long as they can be enjoyed, then worry about it when they run out. Perhaps another one will appear by then to replace it.
Then there is the issue of old bamboo.
Reed bamboo is aged before it is cut into reed sizes, as far as I know, but I don't know if aging still aids the properties of a reed after it's cut to size. Because the reed is no longer part of the integral cylinder and the grain is now open to the uncontrolled atmosphere. Are 20 years of storage detrimental to the reed?
I've known people who have bought quantities of a declining reed (or other product;) stored them in ambient-controlled circumstances and they seemed to survive, but how about these Morees in particular? How have they been stored?
Are they all generally good?
Does anyone out there know?
To pay $29 a box for inconsistent reeds, I'll buy inconsistent Vandorens for half the price!
Even in current production- line environments, when an old, master-craftsperson retires, the person who was trained to take his/her place won't make the same exact reed the retiree made. Ditto for other contemporary workers who may give the reed a slightly different twist, even if only by virtue of the way they hold it as it's being made.
What's the answer? There is none. Try them all until you come up with the one that works for you, if you like them use them. If not, search again!
You can always rework the 2.5s to bring them down to 2.25s.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2001-10-26 02:41
"Clarinets are different. They are not disposable." In theory, yes, but most players, unlike bassoon players will play a number of clarinets throughout their careers. Whether this is due to "blow out" or other reasons is anyone's guess. I am not trying to spark anything, but merely note that clarinets are somewhat disposable, but with a much longer lifespan than a reed. My feeling about the reeds is as Peter stated, try them, see if you like them, make up your mind as to what works for you. These days, there are SO many reeds out there as compared to 20 years ago.
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Author: Sandra Franklin Habekost
Date: 2001-10-27 02:32
I have used Moree reeds for several years, as did one of my teachers and one of my peers. I have 12 unopened boxes, and they are just fine. I found with Moree's that they are very consistent, and I can find most of them usable. I am trying to incorporate the use of Vandoren Blackmasters, since most of my friends who use(d) Moree reeds switched to them. I have used them in the past as well, and they are a good choice. I don't recommend switching to Moree reeds now. Even if you can work them to a strength that you can use, why do it? Blackmasters, in MY opinion are not as good as Moree reeds, but they are good, and I do like them. The cut is as close to a Moree that you will find. They will also be newer cane which is very important to some clarinetists. The most important thing is that you use a reed that is compatible with your mouthpiece. Last time I thought I'd pick up some more Moree reeds, only size 3 was available (compatible to a Vandoren size 5).
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Author: C@p
Date: 2001-10-28 00:10
This reminds me of the old question you might be familiar with:
How many clarinetists does it take to screw in a light bulb?
One. . . . But he will have to go through the whole box to find one that works.
C@p
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