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Better Reeds

Author: Mark W.
Date: 1999-07-01 03:09

I have been using a level 3 Rico reed and I've been told that I need a better reed. What type of reed should I get and at what hardness?

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RE: Better Reeds

Author: Kylene
Date: 1999-07-01 04:29

I would say to try a Mitchell Lurie, or a Vandoren. I use Vandorens, and I love them :-). If you are using a 3 Rico, I would say use about a 2.5 Vandoren.

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RE: Better Reeds

Author: Dee
Date: 1999-07-01 12:29

Mark W. wrote:
-------------------------------
I have been using a level 3 Rico reed and I've been told that I need a better reed. What type of reed should I get and at what hardness?

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Basically anything except the gimmicky Flavorreeds are better than the plain Ricos. As far as strength goes, you should try to get hold of the Woodwind and Brasswind catalog as it has a conversion chart. In general, however, use the same strength you do now. The exception is Vandorens which you will need to get a half strength lower (say 2 1/2).

Everyone likes something a bit different in a reed but here are some popular ones. You will really need to try reeds for yourself and decide what you like best.

Rico Royal
Mitchell Lurie
Mitchell Lurie Premium
Vandoren
Vandoren V12
Grand Concert
Marca
La Voz
Oliveri
Glotin

You will really need to try reeds for yourself and decide what you like best. My own personal favorites are regular Vandoren, Mitchell Lurie, & Mitchell Lurie Premium.

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RE: Better Reeds

Author: karel
Date: 1999-07-01 16:37

Try Glotin Gaia, they are quite good the strenth also about 2 1/2

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RE: Better Reeds

Author: Debbie
Date: 1999-07-02 05:22

One of the very best & most consistent-quality cane reeds I have *EVER* tried (and I've tried just about *ALL* of 'em, guys!!!) is a brand that I've only recently become aware of....they are called "Rigotti Gold", and I believe they are carried exclusively by the Woodwind & Brasswind. I had to wait quite awhile for my first couple of boxes of them, but when I finally received them, I can honestly say that they were *WELL WORTH* the wait!!! The best quality cane I've ever seen; golden, creamy yellow & well-aged; fine & straight-grained.....great care is taken with making these reeds to ensure consistency...carefully-made reeds with enough "heart" to respond richly & resonantly, yet tips & sides thinned & tapered properly for good response. Out of a box of 10, I was pleasantly overwhelmed with utter amazement that *ALL* 10 reeds played well...8 out of 10 played so well they needed not even minute adjustment of any type!!! Each graded strength comes in 3 levels within that strength; "light","medium", & "strong"....I find that #3 medium & strong and #3 1/2 light & medium pretty much cover 99% of my reed needs....very consistently & cost effectively....no "wall tests" for these gems!!! They're long-playing & wonderful-sounding....every serious clarinetist & sax player should give them a try.....the WW & BW woodwind catalog has a full-page informational/introductory-type ad in their reed section devoted to explaining how/why these reeds were developed....and I'm really glad they were!!! After using reeds of this high caliber of quality & consistency, I find it nearly impossible to go back to using any of the other brands I've had no choice but to "put up with" in the past. Well, no more!!!....as long as I have access to "Rigotti Gold" reeds. Definitely worth a try!!! I encourage you to give them a try....I think you'll be pleasantly amazed, just as I was.

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