 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: VK
Date: 2002-08-20 14:57
I returned to the clarinet about a year ago after a thirty-eight year absence. It's absolutely great to be back. I have an instructor who's been a big help. To all of you returning "late-bloomers" - keep at it - it's worth it. Although I have several mpcs, I mostly use a B45 with Mitchell Lurie 4 1/2s. Like everyone, I'm on a constant quest for the perfect set-up. But finally to the the subject at hand, does anyone know anything about the Pete Fountain reeds? I finally gave up on the VDs. Although I like them, the Luries seem to quickly break down, especially in the upper altissimo. Have also tried the Rico Grand Concerts and Legeres. I'm looking for something I can really lay into and have them last for a while. Anyway, any info on the Pete Fountains would be sincerely appreciated.
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Author: Jean
Date: 2002-08-20 15:21
I tried some Pete Fountain reeds and found the tips to be extremely thin. Perhaps I should bump up a size and doctor the heart. They wore out too quickly otherwise.
Jean
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Author: Don
Date: 2002-08-20 18:18
I find they play consistently, but the "strengths" suggested by the numbers correspond to a different scale than Lurie reeds. A Pete Fountain 3 is equivalent to a Mitch Lurie 4 in my experience. Buy accordingly.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-08-20 20:56
Leblanc was handing out samples of the Marca/Pete Fountain reeds at the 2001 New Orleans Clarinetfest.
On first try, they did seem to blow relatively free, producing a relatively large sound. The thin tip of the reed did trouble me.
As suspected, their useful life was very short (even with careful break in and prep).
I would catagorize them as an average mid priced reed - in the same class as Mitchell Lurie and Rico Royal...GBK
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Author: VK
Date: 2002-08-20 21:15
So I'll continue in my quest. I have Legeres for emergencies, but I'd like to find some consistent cane. There was a thread the other day about Gonzalez - perhaps I'll try those. I only know that I'll not waste more time and money on Vandorens. When I find a good one, it's great, but just not worth the effort.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-08-20 21:34
VK wrote: "...I only know that I'll not waste more time and money on Vandorens. When I find a good one, it's great, but just not worth the effort...."
- and another disatisfied Vandoren customer speaks out.
Lately the number has been growing. Oh, how I wish Vandoren would finally get the message...GBK
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Author: bob gardner
Date: 2002-08-21 04:00
I too picked up a couple of reeds at fest in NO. I like them very much and have been playing one for about 6 months. i rotate reeds every day.
bob
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-08-21 04:53
bob...You may want to contact Norris McWhirter, author of the Guinness Book of World Records.
The longevity of your Pete Fountain reed may qualify for an entry.
I <b>am</b> impressed...GBK
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2002-08-21 13:07
Has anyone stopped to calculate the "actual" cost of a "good-Great" Vandoren reed of late? In an unscientific study of mine I find - comparing boxes of V-12 reeds that I have cached away versus the current production reeds (which are the flat tip variety even with trimming the tips) - that there is a 30-40% decline in the number of "good-Great" reeds. Of course there are too many variables to get a firm handle on this observation but there seems to be a consensus forming about a general decline? My straw poll estimate is US $4.00-$6.00 per reed - any comments? BTW - I still search for the "Great" Vandy.
The Doctor
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-08-21 14:15
Doc...The price per "great" Vandoren reed can be much higher than the $4.00 to $6.00 range. It depends on what one considers a "great reed".
At the Clarinetfest in New Orleans, one of the recitalists (someone we all know and highly respect) told me that he went through 3 boxes of Vandorens before he found the perfect (or as near perfect as possible) reed for that specific performance.
Therefore, for him, that one reed had a "per reed cost" of approximately $50.00...GBK
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Author: Wes
Date: 2002-08-21 20:09
While not having bought a box of V12's for a year as, for me, they can almost always be fixed to play well and then they play for a long time, I guess I don't understand what is happening. As an oboe player also, I play with quite high air pressure, regardless of the dynamic level required and produced. It's probably time to buy another box(#3's).
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