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Re: My report on Legere reeds.

Author: AlanLawson
Date: 2009-06-08 13:59

I totally agree John Moses and Tom Puwalski about the value and worth of the Legere reed. I have been playing the Legere reeds exclusively for about a year now and have found them to be "the" reed for me to play.

I am a doubler who plays various shows in Las Vegas (Phantom for now)and the Legere reeds have saved me more than once just on having a reed that responds immediately to any sudden temperature change. In a pit situation one moment it could be cold from fog leaking down from the stage ino the pit or blasting lights that immediately heat up your area.

Legere reeds not only play in those situations but as other players in the orchestra note, there is no quality sound loss. I asked several times for various players to tell me if I was playing a cane or synthetic reed. In all cases not one person could tell a quality difference.

I also helped set up the clarinet section (and a few Sax players) at Cannon Junior High School with Legere reeds. Last year they received staight 3's out of 5 (without Legere reeds) and this year got two 1's and and 1 minus (with Legere reeds). Granted things change (personnel and music) etc. but I have to believe the Legee reeds made a significant contribution to the betterment of the judges ratings.

As a matter of fact, two other band directors drilled me about how they improved so much in one year. They too are now considering the Legere reed for their woodwind section. Horray for Legere.

Now for my clarinet setups for those who would like to know. By the way, I feel the Legere reed really needs to "match" your setup to get the best response...My setups include:

Eb Clarinet = Greg Smith Mouthpiece A324 (88) with Legere 2 1/2.
Bb Clarinet = Morrie Backun "T" facing clarinet mouthpiece with a 3 1/2 Signature Legere (my #1 clarinet setup).
Bb Clarinet backup = another "T" facing but with a longer lay (more of a European style setup) and a 3 3/4 Signature Legere reed.
Bass Clarinet = Vandoren B45 (an old mouthpiece) with a Legere 2 1/2.
Bb Contra-Bass Clarinet = a no name mouthpiece with a Legere 2 1/2.

Let me say one final comment about your selected reed strength. I think most players probably play a reed that is generally too high in number. Over the years I have found a standard medium numbered reed to be the best for me. It's just a thought...
Thanks Legere for making my life easier...Alan Lawson

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My report on Legere reeds. new

John J. Moses

2009-06-04 15:51