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Re: synthetic reeds

Author: Tony F
Date: 2014-08-29 10:37

You've just stumbled into one of the minefields of the clarinet world! Cane reeds, as you've probably realized by now, come in just about every type and flavour known to man. Don't despair, choice of reeds is not as complex as it seems. At the novice level there is a well-worn path to getting something that will work well enough to get you playing up to the point where you've acquired sufficient knowledge to start making your own choices. Every player ever has successfully gone though this bit, and a lot of them are not as smart as you.
Stay with one of the major makers, Vandoren, Rico, Addario for example, and buy a 3-pack of Vandoren Blue Box or Rico Grand Concert. something like a 2.5 in Rico or a 2 in Vandoren. Consult your teacher, he/she can give you advice on this. Wet a reed (Just put the thin end in your mouth for a few seconds) and place it on the mouthpiece. It should be square on the table, with the tip just showing a tiny sliver of cane when viewed from the back of the mouthpiece. Tighten the ligature while holding the reed in place with your thumb. Play. Adjust the reed very slightly up or down the mouthpiece as needed. This will get you going.

Synthetic reeds are treated much the same, except that they don't need wetting. The two major suppliers are Forestone (Japan) and Legere (Canada). Both work well and both have their adherents. Personally I prefer Legere, but I've had good results from Forestone as well. I find that Legeres are about the same strength as Vandoren but a little stiffer than Rico for the same number. Forestone have a different system for designating reed strength which seems to ensure that no matter what you choose, your first choice will be wrong. Once you've got the strength right both will work well. Some mouthpieces are far more sensitive to synthetic reeds than others and are far more fussy about reed positioning. It must be absolutely central on the mouthpiece rails.
Good luck.

Tony F.

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