 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: avins
Date: 2014-12-26 21:23
Im just wondering whether I am missing something with reeds.
I've been playing for the last 3 years on the clarinet with v12 and rico TB concert , which I prefer , but recently switched over to Legere Signature 3 1/2
I got a new box of v12 just to make sure Im not missing anything by going exlusively the synthetic route . Perhaps this box was not so successful yet I found only a couple fairly good reeds . but I find these Legeres (could be also other synthetics for that matter like Forstone and others which I havent tried) much , but much superior to cane , in response , full beautiful tone, clean sound good intonation, . Im just curious how many professional musicians use these reeds in orchestral music or chamber music .
Thanks fro any response
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: kilo
Date: 2014-12-26 22:04
The topic of Legere and other synthetic reeds has surfaced many times on this forum, with a full spectrum of opinions. While some of us really like them, others find them wanting in one respect or another. Even many of the detractors recommend keeping one in your case as an emergency spare. They're also very useful in a pit where quick changes are required and you don't have time to wet your reed sufficiently. And yes, lots of professionals use them. I'd encourage you, however, to find a reed you like, based on the way it performs, and don't worry if it's cane or synthetic.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2014-12-27 06:35
Mr. Strahilevitz:
If Legere works for you then use it. You wouldn't be doing anything wrong, cutting corners, "cheating," upsetting fellow players, etc. As already shown, many professionals use them on a full time or limited basis.
One point though...use them for the right reasons....if I may elaborate.
"Perhaps this box was not so successful yet I found only a couple fairly good reeds ."
Everyone experiences frustration with regular (i.e. non-synthetic) reeds. You were lucky in my book, having "found" a couple of fairly good reeds.
Personally, I don't "find" too many good reeds in most of my Vanoren boxes.
Rather, I find "potential." I find many reeds that can be shaved down a bit, balanced, and broken in properly, otherwise produced by Vandoren, and other manufacturers, with the best of cane and precision.
(Special cudos to D'Addario's new reed product offerings. I find great and consistent results there so far!)
====
Perfectly cut a reed which, given nature's inclination towards diversity, itself has areas of same thickness where the cane is more or less resistant in different places and I guarantee you an unbalanced reed that may play sub-optimally, right out of the box.
I see the role of finishing those reeds as mine, and I do so because, much as I carry synthetics reeds in my case "just in case," I can do more with my play using the spring created by nature, (at least when I find a good "spring" to modify) over the one, at least so far, produced in a lab----cudos to how far Legere and Forestone have taken the synthetic to this point.
As your play advances, you may develop more specific needs which Legere or other synthetics may or may not be able to provide. Couple this with learning how to adjust reeds, and you may come to a place (or not) where you feel the best cane surpases today's synthetics.
Legere and Forestone give me 85% of what I need. Maybe a good portion of the remaining 15% is me. Certainly, their "place and play consistency" and immediacy of use, particular when humidity fluctutates, makes them, at worse, a great backup or practice reed, and at best, a player's go to choice, where money spent is less likely to find its way to the trash.
Post Edited (2014-12-27 06:38)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: avins
Date: 2014-12-27 14:16
David , thanks for your lengthy but very well elaboraed on the advantages and disadvantages of Legere reeds vz cane, which feel I quite agree with,
I think the main advantage of cane is, as you mention, that you can work on them or customise them to your likings,
Avins
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: TomS
Date: 2014-12-27 17:47
I get more playable blue box Vandorens with less adjustment, most V12s need more tweaking. However, I use the blue box on more open MPs, so that might account for some of my experience.
And ditto, for me, Legere reeds (Classic and Quebec) sound and play better than MOST cane reeds ... but unfortunately, slightly flatter in the highest register with more articulation noise everywhere. It also seems that the Legere work better with MPs of closer facings, like the Vandoren M13 or Fobes CF.
My 2 1/2 cents worth ...
Tom
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: avins
Date: 2014-12-29 11:56
Hi Tom, I do use the m13 actually VD m30 with Signature 3 1/2 and they work very well together .
Calrinet BTW is R13, I should try out the blue box again,...
Avins
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: TomS
Date: 2014-12-29 18:43
I am sure that Legere's R & D is ongoing. New materials, tighter quality control and innovative cuts are surely in the pipeline.
Keep the faith, baby ... and BOLO for improved synthetic reeds!
Tom
Post Edited (2014-12-29 18:44)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
