 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: MsB ★2017
Date: 2014-04-07 06:16
I am the fortunate owner of a Kasper 13 mouthpiece, which has a rather long window (1.25 inches). I am currently playing on Vandoren V12 3.5, with some success; somtimes regular Vandorens with not so much success, as they are too light. Gonzales' and Olivieri's have vamps that are too short.
After reading postings on this bulletin board along with Blake McGee's info on his Reed Help site, I am interested in trying some Canyes Xilema reeds, but as they come in .25 strengths and only in full boxes, would really appreciate advice as to which to try.
Is the main difference between the Artesana/Professional and the Classic the thickness of the blank?
What is a strength comparison between a V12 or regular Vandoren and Xilema?
Thanks much!
MsB
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Author: BflatNH
Date: 2014-04-07 06:56
In 2011, there were 3 styles, Artisan, Classic and Pro and I got a box of 3,25 Artisan that cost more than the other 2 because they were 'hand finished'. However, one of the other 2 (Classic I think) were supposedly able to be slightly better tonging. This info was from a factory rep., but someone else or a email to Xilema might confirm this.
To me, they seem comparable in strength to Gonzales FOF 3,25 (there may be comparison charts with FOF on it) and my box was very consistent and played well up to Bb6.
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Author: ThatPerfectReed
Date: 2014-04-07 07:08
Let's assume BflatNH's comparison between Xilema brand and Gonzalez reeds is correct--albeit maybe a large assumption not so much because BlatNH is right or wrong, but we each draw our own impressions.
Nevertheless, with that assumption, using Gonzalez as a proxy for Xilema, this table might then allow you to get some of the Vandoren brands as a comparison.
http://www.gonzalezreeds.com/english/products.html#http://www.gonzalezreeds.com/images/products/gonzalez-reeds-clarinet-reed-comparison-index.png
I hope this helps. ![[grin]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie5.gif)
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Author: ruben
Date: 2014-04-07 22:44
The best solution is to get in touch with Ben Redwine, the US distributor. He'll know exactly how to inform you. Fine reeds they are, and very consistent. I don't think there's anything better on the market.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: MsB ★2017
Date: 2014-04-08 10:40
BflatNH-thank you for your description of the reeds, that was helpful.
ThatPerfectReed-thank you for the comparison chart, that was also helpful.
ruben-thank you for the contact info.
Here's to finding good reeds!
MsB
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Author: babrinka77
Date: 2014-04-08 11:43
Hello;
I'd say they run 1/4 softer than Vandoren V12.
I use Vandoren V12 strenght 3, Xilema professional strenght 3,25 and legere Signature 2,75.
My impressions, i prefer my best Vandoren V12 to the best Professional Xilema, but i get a lot more good reeds per box when it comes to Xilema, they're more consistent one to another.
They sent me a few samples of each type and two different strenghts according to the reed i told them i was currently using.
Very good service.
Anyway, I have also a Legere Signature just in case....hahaha...reeds, reeds, reeds.........
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Author: ruben
Date: 2014-04-08 13:34
I imagine the cane they use is Gonzales from Mendoza, Argentina; a little bit on the soft side and slightly spongy. I followed a bassoonist friend's advice on my next box and let the Xilema sit for a good long while before using them so the cane would dry first. I found them better. These reeds are very consistent; very few duds. That's what their ad insists on, and rightly so.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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