 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: skennedy
Date: 2010-09-05 22:46
I purchased a Forestone package of all strengths for clarinet. In the end I found that the #5 (the highest strength) worked the best for me with a Fobes Cicero 11 mpc and a Krass (Ideal) HS* .02 mpc. I found that to be odd as I normally use a 3.5 V12 or a 3.5 Legere Signature with the Fobes and #4's with the Krass.
Has anyone else had similar experiences? I thought Forestone had "normalized" their number system to more easily compare with the common practice of other cane reed companies.
I would like to be certain that the #5's I order will be the same as the #5's I had tried.
Thanks for any of your thoughts.
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Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2010-09-06 00:12
I also got strength 4 and 4.5 Forestones and they're still a little too soft for my liking. I imagine a 5 would probably work better. I play on V12 4's and Rico Reserve 4's which are closely similar in strength. But, yeah Idk why, but 5 would probably do the trick.
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Author: kdk
Date: 2010-09-06 00:25
I find the Forestone tips to be very flexible even in the higher strengths. The relative lack of resistance compared with V12s, which are cut on a rather different profile, may be because of the greater tip flexibility.
Karl
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Author: skennedy
Date: 2010-09-06 03:30
Yes, the more flexible tip helps to explain it. I started testing them using the #3 strength and worked my way up th the #5. Each increase in strength resulted in an improvement in the tone quality with the #5 being the most satisfactory. I would have liked to have tried a stronger reed, but they don't make one. I found the tone of the #5 to be well centered and not bright.
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Author: William
Date: 2010-09-06 16:17
I use F5's on my Chicago Kaspar #14 mpc. Previoulsly, I used V12, 3.5 & 4.0, depending on the quality of the cane crop. Forestone did try to make their numbering system more compatable to that of other manufacturers, however, the new model reeds do run a bit on the softer side and I find the hardest strength works best.
BTW, they can be clipped and adjusted just like cane reeds--my warning is, however, take only the smallest amount of tip off at any one time and then scrape just behind the new tip a little if needed--no need to "balance". As always, remember that if you do not clip or scrape enough at first, you can always do more--too much, too soon is not a good choice........
And for any Eb players, Forestone Bb reeds can be easily clipped short for use on your effer mpc. I use an electrical wire crimper (only because I have one in my toolbox) but a coping saw for heavy duty shears would work just as well. They do not splinter like Legeres and play very much better, especially in that "problem" upper register. I use a vintage Selmer HS** mpc. on my Yamaha 681 w/Fobes ext and can easily pop out G6's at will. The lower register is almost "velvety". Effers are soooo much fun to play.........
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Author: clarinetist04
Date: 2010-09-07 04:53
I use 3.5-4s in van doren and I tried 3.5-4.5 and all were waaaaaay too soft. I had a beast of a time trying to get one of them to the right strength by clipping and scraped and all that and it did not come in. I got frustrated and went back to traditional reeds, putting these on the shelf for a rainy day.
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