Author: Kalashnikirby
Date: 2017-11-27 02:49
Hello everyone,
After years on Vandoren Classic and some unsuccessful trials with different "V"-type reeds. I've finally switched my reed brand. It's not that I dislike the general cut and responsiveness of a Vandoren Classic reed (I used to play the 2.5 on a Viotto B3 Mouthpiece), I've just had enough with 3-5 reeds in a box of 10 ending up too "stuffy", even after a day of playing, which I could eventually throw away, because they'd be useless even for practice.
After stumbling over Pilgerstorfer, I thought: "Why not?", It's easy enough to order even single reeds from Thomann. BTW, I tried a few Steuer Classics too and like them, but...
Pilgerstorfer has an incredible consistency, quality and texture I haven't seen before. Every single reed I've tried so far was perfectly usable and responded beautifully even when not played in. I've tried the "Dolce" first, which are ideal for a more classical/orchestral player, despite some people finding them to limit their ff, I'd say they're "loud enough" but not as expressive, making it difficult to convey a clearly audible vibrato.
This is different with the "Morré" french cut reeds. One could compare them to a Vandoren in it's very best form, only they're even better. There is an incredible freedom of expression possible and the altissimo is very "safe to play", as I can tell after today's band concert. My embouchure got a little tense, but this dreadful altissimo F in p-pp was spot on in "Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral".
I'd recommend both types and cannot say for sure why the Morré cut reed is slightly more expensive, maybe it uses even better cane. You'd be best advised to try this one first, as the Dolce is probably the better choice for orchestral players, while the Morré feels like more fun to play. They main reason I love these reeds is their (in my experience so far) impeccable reliability and responsiveness. Steuers are nicer than Vandoren, but Pilgerstorfer are quite a revelation.
It's hard to compare their sizing to Vandoren, but it feels like their 2.5 is the same as Vandoren 2.5. Hard to say for me by now why I require softer reeds, but it seemed like Pilgerstorfer 3 sized reeds aren't as hard as Vandoren Classic.
Go give these reeds a shot. I'm confident you'll find them superior for their cane alone. They definitely last well so far, so there's no reason for me to buy Vandoren anymore.
Best regards
Christian
Post Edited (2017-11-27 03:13)
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