 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: chicagoclar
Date: 2004-11-07 01:44
I've been using Gonzalez FOF reeds exclusively for quite a while now. But, of course I'm finding a problem. The problem is that whenever I really need to buy new reeds, I can't find them. I'm finding this is true now. I have a lot of performances over the next two months and really need new reeds, but I can't find them.
So, this is my question: Does anyone A) know where I can get some? size 3.75 or B) have any suggestions for reeds that might give me a similar dark tone with a good response?
Thanks in advance.
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Author: rc_clarinetlady
Date: 2004-11-07 03:44
I just placed an order with The Doctor ( sponser of this site) and received them in three days time! He carries the Gonzalez 3.75. That's what I ordered. I'm just now trying them and I like them. I usually play Vandorens but I like these!
Rebecca
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Author: Ed
Date: 2004-11-07 14:30
It is hard to say what may work for you. Some like Grand Concerts, Marcas, Alexander, etc. You may have to try a few and see what works. What I would recommend is to buy an extra box of FOF or two every time you order so you will have a backlog and won't have to rely on the current stock. You will always have your own stockpile and they will be aged as well.
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Author: William
Date: 2004-11-07 16:40
Try a Legere trad, 3.5 and forget about ever using cane again. I have been using Legere, exclusinvely now, for about half a year and do not miss all of the searching, conditioning and other hassels associated with the arundo donax products. However, just to be sure, I am going to give my old V12 friends another try in January, and then make a "final" decision--Legere or Vandoran. But so far, I am very impressed with the consistancy and almost problem-free performance of the plastic.
If you do try a Legere, there are two important things you should know: 1) do not play a reed that is "harder", but rather a reed that is almost "softer" than you really need. On my Kaspar #14, I normally would use V12 3.5, but with Legere, I only need a 3.0; and 2) be absolutely precise on positioning the reed on you mouthpiece. A nano-meter off in any direction will prevent the reed from playing to its full potential, and you may not like the results. You may have to experiment to find the "right" position for you mpc, but once found put it in the same place every time you play.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-11-07 16:53
Excellent observations and advice by William on Legere reeds.
I've been using Legere reeds (Studio Cut) on tenor sax and agree with the idea of using 1/4 strength less than you would normally play. I have also noticed that the Legere reeds after about a half hour will actually play a bit softer.
Also, as William noted, positioning on the mouthpiece is critical. There is one sweet spot where the Legere reeds will "sing" on your mouthpiece. A tiny bit off the mark will not produce the optimum sound.
Due to the translucent nature of Legere reeds, it does take a bit of practice to learn how they line up and fit on your particular mouthpiece.
The Legere reeds, for me, on tenor sax have been superb. I am also experimenting with them on clarinet by using them in practice sessions.
For clarinet, it certainly is a nice safety net to have a few with you (in 1/4 strength increments) at all times...GBK
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Author: anson
Date: 2004-11-07 18:06
For those Legere users, do you use a Vandoren Mpc with it?
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Author: DavieCane01
Date: 2004-11-08 18:57
As many of you may know, we've had a some supply issues these past few months due to the loss of a very large shipment. As the backorders mounted, we did our best to fill the oldest orders first and catch up to where we needed to be. Within the next couple of weeks things will be back to normal. We're very sorry to have put you all through this drought, but your patience has been very much appreciated.
Cheers,
-Phil
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Author: JamesE
Date: 2004-11-08 19:07
Re GBK's post above on the Legere. I have been using them for about a year on the bass clarinet and find them very satisfactory. I have experienced both the things that GBK mentions about reed placement on the mouth piece and playing time. It is very important to get that placement "just right."
Phil, if you happen to see this, how is the work coming on the Gonzalez reeds for the bass? I am still eager to try them.
Regards,
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Author: DavieCane01
Date: 2004-11-08 23:21
Bass reeds are available, and the feedback has been EXTREMELY positive.
-Phil
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Author: GBK
Date: 2004-11-09 00:07
The Gonzalez bass clarinet reeds also work very well on tenor saxophone ...GBK
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Author: William
Date: 2004-11-09 14:57
I am currently using Legere "traditional cut" reeds on all of my clarinets and saxophones. They work expecially well on my bass clarinet, (Grabner CXBS mpc).
Regarding the ligature question, I use the Vandoren Optimum ligature on all of my clarinets--Eb, C-A-Bb, and bass--with the parallel rail insert. They play very much like an original Bonade inverted, but without the constant readjustment hassels. It does tend to make the Legeres play a little brighter, but I have never minded a little "bite" in my sound.
However, on my soprano, alto and tenor Selmer saxophones, I use Winslow ligatures with the X post arrangement (two on top and bottom and one in the middle). Sax mouthpiecies: Sop--Anello; Alto--HollyWood Gregory or Selmer metal Jazz model; Tenor--Guardala "studio" metal. And, with the Legeres, no more "dried out reed blues" for me!!
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