 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jaysne
Date: 2015-04-05 02:34
I am about to embark on a reed testing expedition and am looking for some different brands to try. I've played Van Dorens for years but would like to see what else is out there.
I know there are scads of brands, but I thought it might make my job easier if everyone chimed in as to which brand or brands they think I ought to try.
Let the opinions begin. Thanks!
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Author: Kel
Date: 2015-04-05 02:42
I 'm fond of Rico (or whatever now) Reserve and Gonzalez FOF.
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Author: maxopf
Date: 2015-04-05 04:00
I'm using Peter Leuthner French Cut Professional Reeds (#4), which I love.
Before that I was using Pilgerstorfer reeds, which are also quite good. They have lots of different reed cuts you can try.
Clark Fobes sells both on his website, and I believe Brad Behn sells the Leuthners as well.
Post Edited (2015-04-05 04:07)
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Author: TomS
Date: 2015-04-05 05:23
Legere Signatures ... if I could just find a MP that matches perfectly ... they also run a lot harder than advertised. A #3 is about like a V12 #3.5 plus to #4 minus. The Signatures seem to have great potential due to their articulation speed and uniform center. With a warm sounding MP (M13) and a warm sounding clarinet (Ridenour Lyrique), they add a nice clear ping, but without edge and harshness. Win, win.
As far as cane ... VD blue box seems to play on anything. The Rico Orange Box is much better than they used to be ... not too bad for community band outdoor events.
I try to only use what local stores have ... and that ain't much of a selection, until school starts in September.
Tom
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Author: mddds
Date: 2015-04-05 05:31
I use Olivieri reeds.
Haven't found anything else that works well for me: I've tried alot of reeds: V12, Blue Line Vandoren, 56, Black, White, Peter Leuthner, Pilgerstorfer (Dolce, Morre, Rondo, Exquisite), Zonda.
Before my sabbatical, I used White Masters.
Perhaps there's something going on with my embouchure.
hope this helps!
-CK
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Author: Mcrill
Date: 2015-04-05 05:52
I recently tried some Peter Lethner reeds that were pretty good, though I usually use Vandoren 56 Rue Lepic's. More recently I bought a box of the new Vandoren V21's and my initial results have been very good indeed. Nice sound, responsive, and the ones I've used so far have played well right out of the box. Anyway, I would definately put Leuthners on your list of brands to try. And if you haven't given the V21's a try, they might work.
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2015-04-05 06:36
Olivieri is a nice alternative to the Vandorens. Dark and sonorous with room-filling projection, they also last a long time. Break them in carefully.
If you find a store that sells Vibrator reeds, you probably don't want to buy your reeds there.
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Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2015-04-05 06:56
If adjusting reeds is your nemesis try the two D'Addario product offerings, classic and regular.
I'm not sure they deliver for me what a great and well balance V12 can, but I find them crazy consistent right out of the box.
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Author: Gene Chieffo
Date: 2015-04-05 16:40
I played Vandoren V12s for years. Mostly 4s but sometimes 3.5s as well. I too decided to check other alternatives. After a tour of everything Rico makes, and loving the Ricos initially, gradually I didn't like them and ended up back with the V12's. I guess it depends on the individual and your other equipment as well. I play on a Vandoren mouthpiece (M13 lyre) so.....Also, I got a gold plated Bonade ligature recently that's the best ligature I've ever had. These things seem to team better with the Vandoren reeds.
Post Edited (2015-04-06 16:32)
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Author: Roxann
Date: 2015-04-05 18:28
Gonzales FOF or Gonzales GD...I've tried both. One of the things I like most about Gonzales is their consistency. Out of the 10 in a box, 10 will be good reeds, all playable. I may need to tweak just a bit with my ATG system, but they ALL end up being good reeds.
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Author: Ursa
Date: 2015-04-05 18:46
I agree with Gene: The Rico products I've tried have often delighted me at first, but always seem to have some quirk about them that sends me scrambling back to Vandoren, Gonzalez, Olivieri, and Alexander.
Since I've moved to a Vandoren Optimum ligature, I've been able to use many more makes and models of reeds than before. The Optimum seems to bring out the best in any reed.
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