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Best reed trimmer for Pilgerstorfer Dolce

Author: Bob Barnhart ★2017
Date: 2019-02-20 00:21

I have been playing Pilgerstorfer Dolce reeds for about a year now and love their responsiveness and tone quality. They are also very consistent.

My dilemma is that with the Backun ART mouthpiece the #4 reeds are frequently too soft and the #4.5 reeds are typically too hard. I can make the #4.5s work after a number of adjustments with my reed geek, but it takes a while.

On the other hand trimming a #4 with my Cordier trimmer produces a reed that works better, but the response and tone are quite different, I believe in part because the Cordier trimmer has a very rounded tip shape, more similar to a Vandoren Traditional than the Pilgerstorfer tip shape (that exactly matches my mouthpieces).

I'm interested in knowing if anyone that plays Pilgerstorfer (Dolce) reeds has found a reed trimmer that matches their original reed tip shape.

In particular, I'm wondering if the Vandoren reed trimmers for the 56 Rue LePic 56 / V21, White Master or Black Master might be a close match.

Thanks,
Bob Barnhart

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Re: Best reed trimmer for Pilgerstorfer Dolce

Author: Ken Lagace
Date: 2019-02-20 00:54

REed trimmers are notoriously inconsistent. I have a Cordier that I got 60 years ago that works perfectly. But the two Cordiers that were given to me in the intervening years are poorly made. I used them for parts to keep my old one going. I would suggest finding a store or site that will let you select the best one you can find - or learn to reshape the tip yourself.

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Re: Best reed trimmer for Pilgerstorfer Dolce

Author: michele zukovsky
Date: 2019-02-21 12:38

i use sandpaper to take the reed down....
do it on the reed when it is dry....
actually, i only raise the reed....they work that way.
tone is so good!

michelezukovsky@gmail.com

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Re: Best reed trimmer for Pilgerstorfer Dolce

Author: Bob Barnhart ★2017
Date: 2019-02-21 23:56

Michele,

I’ve never tried sanding the tip/profile and I’m not sure I understand your technique. Could you provide a bit more detail on how you work the tip to stiffen the reed and achieve a desired profile?

Thanks!
Bob Barnhart

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