 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: inspiring musician
Date: 2005-12-23 22:19
I'm interested in trying them, mainly because I'm sick of the inconsistency of V-12's. I've heard alot of good things about these reeds, while others have had bad comments. If you can, please give your thoughts and opinions on these reeds.
Thank You.
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Author: susieray
Date: 2005-12-24 00:47
If you have already heard good things and bad things about them, it sounds like it might be time to try them for yourself. :-)
I like them.
Sue
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Author: GBK
Date: 2005-12-24 02:53
DavidBlumberg wrote:
> They are very high quality reeds
[ In the spirit of full disclosure -
David Blumberg wrote on 12/09/05:
"...I don't believe that for a second. There are plenty of artists that I work with that get free instruments, gear, etc from endorsing companies.
Myself, I've gotten free reeds for the past 8 years..."
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=201823&t=201768 - GBK ]
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2005-12-24 03:44
DavidBlumberg wrote:
> Not those
But, of course, you're a Rico Artist and that connection should not be hidden when discussing or recommending products. I know we've dicussed those rules on the Bboard - in fact, we've done so very recently.
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2005-12-24 08:09
I use Rico GC Evolution reeds sometimes and they are very good if you find the right strength. I'd say they are about the same strength as regular Vandoren reeds, maybe just slightly softer (in the same strength).
Good luck.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2005-12-24 12:27
I agree that those players with some connections should disclose this. That being said, most artists that I have known are using/endorsing a product because they like the product. I don't think many players would use a lousy reed, ligature or mouthpiece to get some special consideration. Many players here have some small connection to products or the makers. I guess we have to hope that their ethics are great enough to override any financial concerns or ego.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2005-12-24 13:39
Yup. I became a Grand Concert Artist due to using the Reed and being asked.
That was the order, not hearing about the reed, getting asked to be one of the artists for the product and then switching to it. I know products sometimes get a big name to endorse a product that they never even tried before, and that wasn't the case.
I didn't mention about being an artist for them as I figured I'd get grief for talking about myself.
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2005-12-24 16:03
Ricardo Morales likes the Evolution reed more than I do. I like them ok, not sure if I like them as much as the Grand Concert Thick Blank, nor even the Vandoren Rue 56, but Ricardo likes the Evolution more than any other reed on the market. Jessica Phillips of the Met loves that reed also.
That isn't from Ricardo as a Rico Artist, that comes from him as a personal friend suggesting a product which he firmly believes in and uses.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2005-12-24 17:21
DavidBlumberg wrote:
> That isn't from Ricardo as a Rico Artist, that comes from him
> as a personal friend suggesting a product which he firmly
> believes in and uses.
Excuse me, but there is no way to separate this recommendation from his sponsorship except if he recommended a reed from a company he wasn't compensated for. It's just a fact of life and advertising; Rico uses him to advertise their reeds, and we have to imagine that he allows his name to be used for a good reason - that he likes the reeds. No further amplification is warranted - especially from one already sponsored by Rico! It then becomes suspect at best.
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Author: Sylvain
Date: 2005-12-24 18:06
I have recently switch to evolutions from V12 because my CH mouthpiece face by Hill simply works better with those. I like them except that I find they do not last as long as the V12. The cut is IMHO better for me but not the cane. I have the exact opposite feeling with Gonzales FOF, the cane is great but the cut does not work at all for me. Spend the $20 and give them a try.
-S
--
Sylvain Bouix <sbouix@gmail.com>
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Author: susieray
Date: 2005-12-24 20:02
I am also using the Grand Concert Select Evolution reeds
on a CH mouthpiece. For me, they have lasted quite well.
I opened a box about six months ago and broke them
all in. Since then I have been rotating them, so I don't
use the same one day after day. After several months I
finally threw out two of them because they were beginning
to sound kind of dead. The other eight are still fine.
I will be breaking in a new box in January though, so
I'll be ready when these others finally die.
Sue ![[happy]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smiley12.gif)
Post Edited (2005-12-25 08:04)
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2005-12-24 20:32
On my mp, I actually thought that these reeds felt a half strength stronger than compared to V12's. I used 3.5 V12 and I had to use a 3 GC Evolution for my mp (Grabner K11). The reeds were pretty good, but I was weary using the 3's because I was afraid they'd die very fast. It sounded good though right out of the box and I wouldn't be afraid to use them if I needed a reed right out of the box at the last minute. However, both the 3 and 3.5 GC Evolution didn't work with my M15 mp very well. Just try them and see if you like them. Good luck!
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Author: Connor
Date: 2005-12-25 02:27
Try Reed's Australia Vintage XL. I find that they are more consistant that V-12 yet feel about the same as a good V-12 does. As for rico's, i have no advice on the subject given that i have never tried them.
connor
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2005-12-27 10:42
" both the 3 and 3.5 GC Evolution didn't work with my M15 mp very well"
Maybe you should just use one reed at a time!
I play Evolution 3 on an M15 and they work very well for me.
They are as hard as a V12 3.5 or FoF 3.25. I find they play well out of the box, then seem stiffer for the next week as they break in.
I don't adjust reeds, and use every one in the box.
Rico are not paying me to say this. Indeed, they'd be more likely to pay me not to play their reeds.
-----------
If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2006-01-10 10:39
These are great on every mouthpiece I've tried them on. I haven't converted completely, but it might happen soon. My only complaint is it feels like I need the support of a bull elephant to be sure of not squeaking - but that's probably a good thing for my technique, so I'm going with it.
Sound is very 'pure' to my ear, in comparison to other brands. Not piercing, not reedy, but not dull or flat either.
I find rapid tonguing easy on them as well.
Strength is a shade below traditional Vandoren. So far they've lasted better than some brands but not so well as others. Consistency seems OK.
No, I'm not being paid either :-)
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2006-01-10 11:29
GBK and Mark C.
It looks like we have people posting that have vested interests in products that they are endorsing, right? That clearly seems like an ethics issue to me and a direct conflict of interest. I know you are aware of the situation now and I appreciate your watchful eyes.
I also have a problem with individuals that post a footer address that is a link to a commercial site. Let's maintain an arm's length, please.
HRL
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2006-01-10 12:53
Hank Lehrer wrote:
> It looks like we have people posting that have vested interests
> in products that they are endorsing, right? That clearly seems
> like an ethics issue to me and a direct conflict of interest.
As long as the poster MAKES CLEAR their tie in and it doesn't become an advertisement, it is not a conflict - it's an obvious tie-in. What GBK and I are grappling with is a much more subtle form, where the tie-in is not official and there may be no financial or material tie-in, but running on the "he/she's my buddy and I'm going to push their products and maybe they'll help me push mine" network. I'm really opposed to such stealth tactics, but they're obviously hard to prove.
> I also have a problem with individuals that post a footer
> address that is a link to a commercial site. Let's maintain an
> arm's length, please
That essentially is a disclaimer, right? Now, if they don't tell us what they're involved in, it's a problem. If they do (and the footer is of a reasonable length) I think it serves a reasonable purpose. A little free advertising isn't going to kill us - and it's out in the open and can be taken into account when reading the posts.
All implicit advertising cannot be controlled, or we'll not be able to have anyone with any connection to any vendor ever post - and that would include many of the very informative posts here. Should we shut down "The Doctor", or Gordon, or François, or Vytas, or the myriad other people who are helping out (please forgive me for not naming all of you individually), but happen to work in the business? I think not.
There have been times when perhaps I needed to do a better job at editing some of the posts, but if a vendor is directly answering a question that was honestly raised (meaning not raised by a paid or unpaid shill - it's happened both ways) then there's some leeway given. Some people object to the hyperbole, but that's part of the business. It's up to us to question the legitimacy of the claims.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2006-01-10 22:29
Mark,
Very good points. I do not envy you and GBK trying to maintain a clear sense of balance between the factors you have outlined.
Thanks,
HRL
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2006-01-11 18:11
It should also be noted that readers do not see - because they have been deleted or edited - those posts that are blatant advertising or market research questions. I do not know about others but I have had my share of posts deleted and received an email from Mark or Glenn about their rationale for deleting them. Often heated email exchanges incur about defending a position or the appropriateness of the post but in the end Mark and GBK are the final arbiters of what is appropriate in their considered opinion for the best ethics on the BB. Also, I think that it is obvious to most that extended threads of accolades on a particular person or product line are truncated as not to diminish other members of the community in the same business. Decisions are usually never black or white but some shading of grey and IMHO both Mark and GBK do a superb job on the whole !!!!
L. Omar Henderson
Doctor's Products, Forte' Instrument Group
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