 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: BarrelOfMonkeys
Date: 2023-12-09 11:56
Anyone want to comment on Legere French Cut's strength compared to the previous reed you were used to?
I played a European Cut 2.75 and bought a French Cut 2.75 and then a 3.0. The 2.75 was perfectly comfortable out of the box. The 3.0 will take some getting used to, but it feels like I'm not jumping up an entire 1/4 strength. It's a smaller leap than that.
I'm asking because some people don't want to take a leap of faith trusting Legere's strength comparison charts. I found them to be accurate in my case. Some people also don't want to buy 2 or 3 reeds hoping that 1 of those will be suitable.
So share your stories if you got 'em.
Tom
The Cosmic Pipeazoidist
And people say I monkey around...
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Author: Jarmo Hyvakko
Date: 2023-12-09 12:47
Use the reed exchange system! You are allowed to change the reed. See details from the legere page.
Jarmo Hyvakko, Principal Clarinet, Tampere Philharmonic, Finland
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Author: BarrelOfMonkeys
Date: 2023-12-09 14:39
This is more about PREVENTING the need for the exchange system.
Tom
The Cosmic Pipeazoidist
And people say I monkey around...
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Author: kilo
Date: 2023-12-09 17:11
The 3.25 French Cut Tenor Saxophone reed seems a little bit softer than the 3.25 American Cut Tenor and 3.25 European Cut Bass Clarinet I've been using. I may try a 3.5 FC some time in the future but, as I've only played mine a few times, I want to totally familiarize myself with the response of this reed before changing my preferred strength.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2023-12-09 18:59
The Legere printed comparison chart seems accurate between the Euro Cut and the French Cut. I still bought the two strengths down from what I normally use and "worked my way up." This is still a good idea so that you KNOW where you sit in strength and what the characteristics of the reed are.
It was pointed out on another "French Cut Thread" that you can move the reed up without wreaking havoc on the sound. This is fairly true and enables you to get use out of a reed that is a quarter strength softer than ideal. Still I'd recommend honing in on the correct strength.
If the main complaint is that you'd prefer just buying one perfect reed without any trial and error I would hasten to point out that with EVERY box of ten, you wind up pretty much throwing away 30 to 40% of your investment.
...............Paul Aviles
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Author: SecondTry
Date: 2023-12-09 19:24
As I wrote in Paul's thread on this product prior--while my observations are purely anecdotal: one reed of one strength from a new product does not a scientific observation make, I found the Soprano Clarinet French Cut (FC) 3.0 very close on par with a Vandoren Cane Blue Box in strength, as did a stand mate who made the same unsolicited observation when asked what they thought of the FC's strength as it relates to other products.
Post Edited (2023-12-09 19:25)
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Author: BarrelOfMonkeys
Date: 2023-12-10 04:03
THIS JUST IN FROM LEGERE:
Pete from Legere here. We just wrapped up exhibiting at the European Clarinet Congress and I can offer some insights on strength.
Over four days, we had many, many Legere and cane players test a range of French Cut strengths. On average, European Cut players went up a quarter strength when switching to the French Cut. And on average, cane players went up a quarter to a half strength.
Based on my observations, I think there are a couple things at play: one, the reed runs a little soft. Two, the reed really comes alive at the upper limit of your strength range.
I'd strongly encourage players wanting to try the French Cut to order two reeds - a quarter and a half strength up from their current strength. Try both and exchange the one that doesn't work best for you.
You won't be disappointed! Player experience at the Congress was overwhelmingly positive.
Tom
The Cosmic Pipeazoidist
And people say I monkey around...
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Author: LegereReeds_Pete
Date: 2023-12-15 06:32
Thanks BarrelOfMonkeys / Tom!
Pete from Legere here (in person). The above comment you posted is a good starting guide for players wanting to try the French Cut.
I'll add one caveat, experience of strength is always very personal and dependent on your set-up. It's true that most players went up a 1/4 or 1/2 strength when switching to the French Cut, but not everyone did.
It might take some experimentation to find your perfect match, so please take advantage of our exchange program. And don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Pete Jones
Légère Reeds
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2023-12-15 07:10
My mouthpiece is a shorter lay with a fairly close tip. Perhaps this influences my experience, but I'd say that it would be better to try the next two strengths DOWN and work your way up. I seem to be at a one to one strength with my current Euro Cut and don't feel moving up would be productive (and may be uncomfortable as well).
Getting the right strength for EXTENDED periods of playing and lasting quality over weeks, months (and beyond?) is most important to your enjoyment of the Legere experience.
.............Paul Aviles
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Author: David Eichler
Date: 2024-10-07 01:36
Before trying the Legere French cut reeds on clarinet and alto sax, I had previously tried Legere Signature Standard and American cut on alto sax and Signature Standard and European cut for clarinet. I have found the French cut reeds to run softer for the same number. In fact, I found that a #3.75 French cut on alto (with a Meyer 5 or 6 mouthpiece, of which I have several of each facing) and a #3.5 French cut on clarinet (with a medium-close concert facing that would normally take a #3.5 Vandoren reed) were so soft that they collapsed easily. That said, I have found that a #3.75 French cut works very well for me on clarinet (with a particular mouthpiece, anyway). I am sticking with the Signature Standard or American cut for alto sax.
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Author: Daniel Frazelle
Date: 2024-10-07 08:38
“Anyone tried out the French Cut tenor sax reeds on bass clarinet yet?”
Yes, I used them last December. I was really impressed with the clarity I got out of the reed. Full disclosure, I mostly play cane reeds, but at the time this was the most cane-like option I had after I had already committed to playing Legeres on this particular engagement.
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Author: graham
Date: 2024-10-08 16:34
As has been mentioned elsewhere here, the Eurocut and American cut reeds were redesigned around the time the French cut was introduced. These are also noticeably softer than the equivalent reeds of a short time ago.
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Author: Hurstfarm
Date: 2024-10-08 21:07
I’ve switched to playing on French Cut reeds from cane for most situations over the last 6 months, although I still use both, depending on circumstances (music, climate etc.). I found them a game changer from previous synthetic reeds I’d tried, which didn’t quite do it for me on Bb. For me the best results are on a similar strength reed to my preferred Pilgerstorfer Morres. I’ve found Legere’s comparison charts and descriptions pretty accurate.
I’ve used Legeres on bass for longer, where I like American Cut tenor sax reeds. I’ve tried French Cut more recently, but still prefer the former.
However, everyone’s experience will be different, and the only real solution is to try them out, and as others have said use the exchange scheme if you get it wrong!
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