 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: rgombine
Date: 2016-06-15 11:34
I recently purchased a Legere reed. Compared to my usual long (American) scrape reed, I find this short scrape synthetic very difficult to play. Specifically, it is quite resistant and stuffy, and I find the upper register sags after I fatigue.
So rather than totally give up on my investment, I was hoping for advice from short scrape players, ideally ones who have also played on long scrape reeds as well. Are there tips re: embouchure set up/tip placement that you think would allow me to play more freely and with less fatigue?
Thanks!
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Author: jhoyla
Date: 2016-06-15 12:19
I is a long time since I played on long-scrape, but there are certainly differences in embouchure.
For American scrape reeds I would barely seal around the tip, and all my control would come from the air; with short-scrape, the lips play more of an active role - you seal firmly with a small amount of lip-pressure, while still staying very flexible.
I can (and do) roll the reed in and out as needed, but the range is shorter - in other words, I always play close to the tip, and sometimes even closer  That is all I remember about the differences.
Legere recommend modifying the opening of their bassoon reeds using hot water - google this and learn from the bassoonists before you try anything!!
Also, it is probably a good idea to confirm this is doable with Legere before you try. Facebook is probably the best place for this - they seem to be pretty responsive over there, since it is their "shop window".
J.
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Author: rgombine
Date: 2016-06-15 13:44
So you do think it takes a "stronger" embouchure? Perhaps that is why it seems to stiff to me
Thanks for th FB suggestion. They have not responded to email so I am going to try messaging them instead
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-06-15 14:59
The Legeres take a slightly different embouchure compared to cane reeds, so you'll have to experiment to see what works best for you.
I had to change my sax chops when I went over to Legeres on bari, but the pay-off has been great as they don't squeak like cane reeds do. I'm considering using them across the board on saxes and clarinets.
So I'm going to see how I can get the most from their oboe reeds by having a different approach to them.
Due to the very different nature of both cane and plastics, they can't really be played in exactly the same way.
It's still early days, so give them and yourself time to get accustomed to each other.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: wkleung
Date: 2016-06-17 21:05
I am a short scrape player. One of my students bought a Legere reed at the IDRS Conference in Japan last summer. Both I and he found the reed very resistant and stuffy. I couldn't play on it.
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Author: rgombine
Date: 2016-06-18 00:37
That is very interesting. I wonder if there is more variability in their manufacturing process then they are aware.
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Author: wkleung
Date: 2016-06-18 03:16
My student told me that was the best reed of the bunch that he hand-picked.
Our only hope is that the later reeds will be better, otherwise this is not a product I can use.
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Author: fromsfca
Date: 2016-06-20 07:54
I've started using legere on Eb, Bb and bass clarinets....on Bb, I find it much easier to hit high notes consistently, though I find the tone more open with more high partials.
I use them to avoid reeds drying out during a show.
Not yet using them on sax, though I played plasticover reeds when I played shows in the desert (play a comic on, then the horns sat for 25+ minutes before being played again, but I needed the edgier sound for those gigs).
I have not yet tried the legere on oboe....I sometimes use a short scrape reed....but I've not yet heard the reeds were ready for prime time....though I have heard good things on the bassoon reeds.
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Author: EaubeauHorn
Date: 2016-07-05 05:47
I started clarinet on Legere reeds and never did use cane, because I did not want to fiddle with them. On my setup, I was flat across the range, even with a short barrel, very decent tone, and I gave up. I don't know if the same thing will happen with the oboe reed or not. Air is not a problem because I am a brass player, and on a good cane oboe reed I sound just fine, but that is American scrape. I had an oboe teacher tell me that short scrape reeds require one to "bite" a bit, compared to American scrape. Until I get my hands on one I'll have no idea what will happen.
I do happen to have a several years old prototype Legere short scrape (I think) that a friend lent me. It is not hard to play on but sounds just gosh awful compared to cane, not something I would want to be heard in a group. I wonder if they solved the tone problem by making it more resistant.
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Author: matt_lin18
Date: 2016-07-05 21:33
The intonation is weird on the Legere. The upper register really likes to sag and gets pitchy after high G.
The reed is rather resistant when you first get it. It softens up in a few hours of playing and becomes a dead on medium reed. Not too hard or soft, and just right. The tone quality also improves as you break it in. It's very warm and some notes actually sound better compared to a cane reed. Middle C# isn't as stuffy any more on this reed.
Maybe it's good for a second oboist playing low notes. It's very responsive and in tune but starts having issues in the high register. You really have to tighten your embouchure on the higher notes. And yes, the reed overall will require you to bite more. It find it suits me better than American scrape because I like to bite a little.
Give them a try. They're $150 with free 2 day shipping from Forrests. Play on them for a few days and break it in. If you don't like them, you can return them (I have confirmed and asked they are returnable).
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