Clarinet Reed Shopping Time (again!) Options

[clarijo]

I've been waiting on a reed order since July 27th. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)
The problem seems to be that though Reeds Direct admit that Rico Reserves are no longer going to be produced Dawkes think they are so I'm still waiting.
After a couple of emails I decided to phone them on Thursday. I spoke to a very nice man who told me he'd check again. I let him know my next preference (definitely not the Rico Reserve Classics which are apparently meant to be their replacements) and he offered to send me samples of the Gonzalez reeds which they get direct from the manufacturer in Argentina. This included an interesting background into reed making and cane production. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
Hope to have some reeds before the ones I have are not behaving.

Hope you don't have to wait too long - nothing more frustrating than reeds you can't get on with! I still like the Razzco Vintage XLs but I've just bought some Alexander Classics in a 3 strength, which I am also very impressed with (also love their NY reeds on my tenor sax!)

I've never tried a synthetic reed but have recently had the Forestone reeds recommended to me by a very experienced player, who really is in a position to know a good reed from a bad! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

[barry-clari]

I'm starting to like the Vandoren 56s... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[clarijo]

I'm starting to like the Vandoren 56s... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Do you like them enough to tempt you away from the blue box reeds? For me, they are definitely the best of the
Vandoren reeds but I can get a better sound on the other brands I mentioned above. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[barry-clari]

I'm starting to like the Vandoren 56s... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Do you like them enough to tempt you away from the blue box reeds? For me, they are definitely the best of the
Vandoren reeds but I can get a better sound on the other brands I mentioned above. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Possibly, clarijo. They're beginning to grow on me. Am finding the durability is better, which for a clarinettist like me, can only be a good thing! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[sbhoa]

I'm starting to like the Vandoren 56s... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Do you like them enough to tempt you away from the blue box reeds? For me, they are definitely the best of the
Vandoren reeds but I can get a better sound on the other brands I mentioned above. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Possibly, clarijo. They're beginning to grow on me. Am finding the durability is better, which for a clarinettist like me, can only be a good thing! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I like them but the 2.5s are no good for me any more and the 3s still too hard.

The latest update is email from Dawkes who have been informed by their uk Rico supplier that the Rico reserves are just being repackaged into boxes of 10 (previously sold in 5s) and that they are expecting a delivery next week.
Hopefully he remembers his offer of a trial of the Gonzalez reeds as it would be interesting to give those a try.

[Tequila]

I'm starting to like the Vandoren 56s... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Do you like them enough to tempt you away from the blue box reeds? For me, they are definitely the best of the
Vandoren reeds but I can get a better sound on the other brands I mentioned above. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Possibly, clarijo. They're beginning to grow on me. Am finding the durability is better, which for a clarinettist like me, can only be a good thing! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/yay.gif) We'll make a convert of you yet .... I still swear by them - play a 3 usually but sometimes a 3.5. It's the consistency and durability that drew me too. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Chris H]

My son uses rico reserve saxophone reeds, but I've been having real problems buying them. We got some free samples at a stand at the RNCM sax day, then he got some given to him by his teacher, then when I tried to buy some, the only ones the shop had in stock were free samples and they just gave us them. I'm not complaining about the free reeds, but am beginning to wonder if it's actually possible to buy them (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[sbhoa]

Latest update. Broke open the final V12 which are currently my 2nd choice reed.
Dawkes still waiting the imminent arrival of reeds from their Rico supplier 10 days later... obviously a new interpretation of the word imminent.....And when they arrive I think there's a better than even chance that they will not be reserves but classics.

They are going to chase them up and to send me samples of the Gonzalez reeds in the meantime.
Watch this space....

[sbhoa]

I have new reeds. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Newly packaged in boxes of ten and without the fancy moisture control pack they do indeed look appear to be Rico Reserves (not classics).
Still awaiting trial of Gonzalez reeds which were posted out to me about 10 days ago but haven't yet arrived. The lovely Sam at Dawkes has promised to put some more in the post for me to try.

Will report back later.

[Pixie*Porsche]

Gonzalez are very good for the money (I suppose it depends on what the music shop is charging, though!) I sell them and also play them quite often, they seem to be quite consistant in quality which is only a good thing. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Must admit I did buy a box of Vandoren 56 because I liked the box (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif) but my favourite reeds remain Alexander's.

As I have a new clarinet I do hope to do a spot of trying different reeds out again and possibly mouthpieces, though my M30 works very well and is apprantely the same sort of facing as a Howarth mouthpiece anyway .... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

[sbhoa]

First impression of Gonzalez is that I like the clarity but think that they are lacking a little in depth.

[barry-clari]

First impression of Gonzalez is that I like the clarity but think that they are lacking a little in depth.

This is what I found with Gonzalez. They are very consistent, but I found them hard to actually make them do what I wanted to do with them.

[sbhoa]

First impression of Gonzalez is that I like the clarity but think that they are lacking a little in depth.

This is what I found with Gonzalez. They are very consistent, but I found them hard to actually make them do what I wanted to do with them.

Will get a second opinion on Monday but I think that will only confirm what I think.

[david123]

Reeds Reeds Rees wish I had taken up the drums, I probably would have been saying Skins Skins Skins if I had. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

Being a relatively new player I always feel reticent about giving advice (read ideas) on these threads as they have probably been dusted down dozens of times before., but here goes

I am using 2.5 Vandorens blue at the moment and am still getting a lot of "duff reeds" out of the boxes of ten that I buy, and not many really good ones. I have however tried this with a small amount of success.

I soak the reeds, put them on glass, let them dry for about 20 minutes and gently scrape the thin end with a razor blade. try it and maybe scrape a bit more and so on.
It may be a complete fluke but out of 4 that I tried I got one to to play well. I also sometimes manage to get a "Duff" one to play better if I slide it up/down the mouthpiece a bit, (I think I read that on here somewhere) I then mark it with an up or down arrow.

We should have a thread on tips and tricks with reeds. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) . Bet there is one somewhere (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[barry-clari]

I have taken the plunge and bought a box of strength 3 56s... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)