 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: QueenB
Date: 2007-10-29 00:01
Hi,
I've decided after spending close to 15 years away from a clarinet to start playing again. I used to use Rico reeds when I was in high school, but that was because that was all that was available to us. I'd like to know what might be the best for me to go with at this point until I've built up my embrouchure again.
Band moms Rock!
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Author: FDF
Date: 2007-10-29 00:10
QueenB,
Buy a box of #2, V12 VanDoren reeds. Enjoy your return to playing.
FDF
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2007-10-29 00:29
V-12(Grey/Silver box) Vandoren reeds are only available in strenghts 2.5 through 5+. The Vandoren classic(Dark blue box) are available in strenghts 1 through 5.
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Author: FDF
Date: 2007-10-29 00:42
Thanks, Ice, I should have said 2 1/2 V12, or 2 classic.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2007-10-29 01:22
Reed strength will also depend on the mouthpiece you will be using. Generally speaking, it's always a good idea to start with a reed a level or two softer than what you used to play. But just pulling a particular brand/model/strength out of thin air may not be the best way to answer your question. If you could be more specifi9c as to your setup, it might help to make a more reasoned and informed recommendation.
One thing you might want to do is go to a local (decent) music store and see what they have for sale in individual reeds. That way, you can get a few different choices and work with different strengths, as well. Then, aqs you improve and get your embouchure back, you will be able to move up to the next strength.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: QueenB
Date: 2007-10-29 02:01
I actually thought about doing this, but its a matter of distance and time for me. I don't live close by any music stores, and I don't know when I could get away from work to go and get them. But, aside from that, I think you're right about getting a couple of each and seeing what happens. It's been so long since I've played, I can't even remember what # reed I used to use. :-)
Band moms Rock!
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Author: BobD
Date: 2007-10-29 10:58
So...why not start where you left off and just buy a box of Ricos around #2.
Bob Draznik
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2007-10-29 11:28
If I had have to start on Ricos I'd probably have switched to Tuba or French horn within a week...
Agreed, the yellow Ricos are better than the Royals, but I'm still glad I stumbled over Mitchell Luries.
--
Ben
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Author: Tony Beck
Date: 2007-10-29 12:01
Since you aren't close to a music store, mail order may be the best way to go. Click on the "Reeds" section on the right of this page. Discount Reeds has many brands to choose from. Dr.s Products sells Gonzalas, which have worked well for me. Both have quick service.
Your setup, particularly the mouthpiece, will have a powerful effect on how strong a reed you'll eventually pick. Smaller tip openings work with stronger reeds. If you have a very close tip, a too soft reed will give you fits.
I was in school in the '70s, and found that today's Vandorens and Gonzalas reeds are about a half step harder than the Ricos were back when I was in the school band.
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Author: QueenB
Date: 2007-10-29 16:51
I'm looking at the discount website now, and saw La Voz reeds. I vaguely remember using these, too. How do they compare to others? I'm pretty sure the school sold us the cheaper reeds. :-/
Band moms Rock!
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2007-10-29 20:26
To be honest, I don't know a single player (or a married one, for that matter) who still uses LaVoz reeds.
Another suggestion: lok at the Legere reed site www.legere.com and see about ordering a couple of their synthetic Quebec cuts, once you determine the proper strength for your needs. Even if you don't use them all the time, they are great to keep in your case for an emergency. Generallly speaking, they will outlast anything made of cane. Many people her (including me) really like their quality and consistency. You can get them from Woodwind and Brasswind.
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: hans
Date: 2007-10-29 22:54
QueenB,
From Al Gallodoro's web site:
Al plays a........
"Selmer Series 9 clarinet with gold-plated keys. Al uses an O'Brian crystal mouthpiece with a standard ligature. As of late, he prefers a regular rubber mouthpiece. "We all go batty over reeds and mouthpieces" says Al."
Al has used Vandoren reeds exclusively for ~70 years. That could be interpreted as a strong recommendation from a clarinet and sax player with very few (if any) equals.
Hans (who plays a plastic Legere)
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Author: QueenB
Date: 2007-10-30 00:33
I had a friend suggest a Legere, but then she's a doubler with an orchestra. She said she wouldn't play with anything else. She also suggested that I should try going with the Ricos to start with, since it's been awhile. I may have a chance to get to a music store later this week, so I'll browse and see what I can find.
Band moms Rock!
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Author: Taryn
Date: 2007-10-30 15:03
One thing to remember about synthetic reeds is that they're harder then Vandoren and Rico. I think they're a quarter size stronger then Vandoren Traditional reeds. I used them for awhile when I was living too far away from music stores too. I never liked them as much, but if music stores are out of the way, you can't beat them
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