 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: kjSean
Date: 2010-11-12 19:33
I have a Ridenour Lyrique clarinet w/ Gennusa MP. I am wondering if someone could give me a comparison/recommendation for Rue Lepic reeds versus V12 reeds. I mostly play classical music on my clarinet.
Sincere thanks.
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Author: Caroline Smale
Date: 2010-11-12 21:44
In all honesty I think the only way to find what works best for you is to try them all.
I play VD standard, Rue 56 and V12s but they respond differently on different mouthpieces (I use VD A1 Crystal, VD M13 and B&H 926 mainly) and even with different clarinets (bore resistance plays a factor).
Overall I slightly prefer V12 to Rues but still mostly use standard blue box. They are signicantly cheaper in the UK.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2010-11-13 03:27
Norman is right, it's different for everyone so just try both and if you don't like either then try some other brands. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: claritoot26
Date: 2010-11-13 22:06
I have also used a Gennusa mouthpiece, and I liked the new Rico Reserve Classic reeds with it. The Rue LePic are narrower and thicker than the Vandoren blue box reeds. I haven't tried many of them. I used to like the V12s on my old M13-Lyre, and have generally preferred them to the blue box with whatever mouthpiece I was using at the time. But, as others point out, everyone plays differently and might have a different reed preference. Good luck.
Lori
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2010-11-13 23:47
I have to disagree with David and say that the Rue Lepic sounded quite a bit brighter(not as much as Gonzalez FOF) to me specially in the upper register that is also more free blowing than V-12 and just not as even across the range. I get more security in the upper register with the V-12,more resistance but at the same time I can put more air through.
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Author: sonicbang
Date: 2010-11-14 11:43
IMO it's totally pointless to discuss this. There are many different sounding reed in one box...If you can adjust the reed, the only thing counts is the material. If material is fair, I can adjust 9 reeds from 10 sounding almost the same with same feeling also. I think proper resonance has higher priority than the 'colour' of the sound. It's defined by the player.
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Author: concertmaster3
Date: 2010-11-14 13:28
I used to use V12s with my GE* mp, but I got a more closed facing and use a harder reed now (and different brand). I haven't tried Rue's but I say get a few of each and see what you like best.
I will add though, that Ben Redwine suggested a reed brand that he imports to me when I bought a new Genussa mouthpiece from him. They're extremely consistent and sound great (for me at least) and have gotten compliments from other clarinetists and other musicians (even some that were skeptical about me playing anything other than oboe...). Check them out on his website. I believe also, that at least when I bought mine, they were a little less than some places were selling V12s, but don't quote me on that! I haven't checked prices in a while.
Ron Ford
Woodwind Specialist
Performer/Teacher/Arranger
http://www.RonFordMusic.com
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Author: baylorclarinetist
Date: 2010-11-16 01:39
Well in my recent experimentation of both V12 and Rue Lepic i have found that both brands tend to have their pros and cons to them.
The V12 , in my opinion, tend to have a better tip/heart ratio to them thus giving them more stability and control then the Rue Lepics. But since the heart is thicker and the quality of the cane leave something to be desired, you need a bit more respiratory strength to play then.
The Rue Lepic I have found to be very responsive and needing very little strength to play. From the batches I have received, I have found the quality of the cane particularly exceptional. However. they barley have any heart to them at all, thus the wear out very quickly ( about 5 minutes with my playing). In addition this, one must be very carful when playing large intervals, altissimo notes, and forte dues to the reed consequent tendency to collapse at higher frequencies and amplitudes.
One thing that i have done with the rue lepic that i have found that works is to sand or file down the very bottom of the heart thus allowing more reed to vibrate, which will add to the resonance, and giving it more resistance, which will give it more stability.
As far as adjusting V12, i really think that the can be a bit on the thick side at time but overall i have found a lot of then that work. Since the cane on then is not as stiff and impossible as the traditional Vandorens, nothing more then the occasional tip adjusting should be needed to get them to sound decent.
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Author: Iceland clarinet
Date: 2010-11-16 12:56
baylorclarinetist
If your reed is dying out after 5 minutes playing which btw. I think is too much playing for a brand new reed. I only test and adjust a brand new reed and conditioning them for two more days with back of a teaspoon, wet it and dry it out by rubbing it with a dry towel. I think this method helps the V-12 not to get water logged and smooths the vamp out too which is often rough on Vandoren.
Have tried 1/2 strength harder Rue Lepic reeds ?
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2010-11-16 17:46
I cannot compare and contrast since I have never had any luck with the V12s, but I have been using 56s on a Genusa GE** of late with wonderful results.
Hey Baylorclarinetist:
I don't understand the "weak heart" reference to 56s particularly when you say that you file down part of it. Maybe you shouldn't touch the heart at all.
....................Paul Aviles
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Author: Maestro_6
Date: 2010-11-18 04:39
Vandoren produces 3 completely different animals with Blue box, V12, and Rue Lepic. I've tried to give all 3 their fair trial, each on a #4 strength, and kept with the Blue Box. They are just simpler to play on...
As for the feel between V12 and the 56's, both of them seem to give some sort of back pressure which I don't like so much (less in the V12 than Rue Lepic). Makes them feel kind of stuffy, which results in lower amounts of good reeds. V12 reeds are easier to adjust and more consistent. Rue Lepic reeds keep a nice, woody tone, but the bad ones go VERY bright (especially in the altissimo). I also find it difficult to match the Rue Lepics to mouthpieces.
What strikes me about my experiences with Vandoren is that the reed strength chart is totally bogus for me. Blue Box is most free-blowing, followed by the V12, then the Rue Lepic. Could be that my M30 likes the Blue Box, or maybe its just me.
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