 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: nbclarinet
Date: 2014-04-14 07:18
I've searched the boards and there seems to be surprisingly little information about this topic. There's been much discussion on consistency and response but less on sound. Im curious as to what the differences in tonal color/characteristics when playing Rico reserve classics or V-12s. I'm currently using both and trying to decide which I like better. If anyone has or does play both, share your observations; I'm curious as to whether or not they match what I'm seeing.
Thanks in advance!
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Author: gwie
Date: 2014-04-14 09:21
In the past few years I've tried Vandoren V12 and Rue Lepic 56 as well as Rico Reserve, Reserve Classic, and Grand Concert Evolution for extended periods (and concerts).
While there are differences, I don't think I could really pin them down to a specific sound difference. I think I pretty much sound the same regardless of which brand of reeds I use, but the feel of each reed and their response is significantly different, as is their longevity.
I find that my Vandoren reeds take more time to break in and require more adjustment, but they last a lot longer under 2-3 hours per day playing. Out of a box of ten, I'll get maybe 2-3 that are exactly what I'm looking for. When they wear out, it's fairly gradual but they start to feel very resistant and lack response.
My Rico reeds sound great out of the box, don't require much adjustment (if any), but don't last anywhere near as long. In particular, the Reserve Classics fail spectacularly...they get soft-feeling, bright-sounding, and "buzzy." However, out of a box of ten, I'll get as many as 6-7 that would be good enough to play in a performance and they are incredibly consistent. Just for the convenience alone, I use Reserve Classics most of the time.
Right now I'm trying out AW Reeds (the 302 Classic) and am pleasantly surprised how well they play.
Post Edited (2014-04-15 01:01)
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Author: Ed
Date: 2014-04-14 14:44
I also find that it is more about feel, response and consistency. Either brand has great reeds and it is a case of finding what you like and what feels right. Unlike the previous poster, I have had no issues with the Reserve Classic. For me, they are great players and last a long time.
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Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2014-04-14 14:53
our favorites are Evolutions.. they make bottom sound darker and deeper.. still enough for altissimo.
The only ones which we compared side by side were VD and Grand Concert Traditionals. They sound very similar (GC trad were modeled after blue box), maybe a little bit more refined. The biggest difference they seems to be far more consistent from reed to reed, no bad reeds in the box like VD, and don't chip as easily. And they are ~ 1/4 stiffer then Blue Box, so GC#3 will be btw VD #3 and #3.5, and GC#2.5 are btw VD #2.5 and #3.
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Author: ThatPerfectReed
Date: 2014-04-14 17:48
Rico Reserve Classics and Vandoren V12's are my 2 favorite brands currently.
I saw this question when first posted, and realized, although I can feel difference between the 2 brands, that I wasn't sure I could put those differences into words.
As you probably know, V12's are sourced from cane that would otherwise be large enough to make, for example, Alto Saxophone reeds. If a reed's resistance to breath could be measured in this width I cite, V12's provide for me a wider width (and all the good associated with that) while Reserves a narrower width.
Like all metaphors, that's hardly perfect.
Likely also known, a V12 strength "3" reed may give more resistance than the same strength in Rico reserve.
I haven't decided which one I like better and am fine not to be decisive on this--keeping both in my "ready to play" reed case. I figure that if the worst problem I have is 2 models of reeds that serve me well currently, that I have bigger things to prioritize.
Of course YMMV (your "mileage" may vary) and I understand if you feel a need to pick one over the other.
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