Clarinet Reed Shopping Time (again!) Options

[sbhoa]

I tried the Australia reeds and didn't get on with them at all.
Wasn't too keen on Mitchell Lurie either.
I used V12s for some time and liked them then changed to Rico reserve at the suggestion of another forumite last year.
I have a reed case. I did have one of the ones with a glass sheet but the glass cracked. I didn't drop it or anything, it just cracked and the bands which hold the reeds made the 2 pieces of glass overlap each other which was a bit dangerous apart from making it useless. I wasn't inclined to pay the price for a new one the same after that.

[Tequila]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) deja Vu? Didn't we discuss something like this on another thread........ hmmmmm????? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
About a year ago? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

See - we clarinettists are reed addicts!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

We certainly did but oddly I couldn't find the original thread - I seem to think it was yours but it could have been one of mine! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I think I was quite restrained and stuck to what I was using at the time (probably Vandorens) but since I'm down to my last three reeds (and only one of them is really any good), I have had the perfect excuse and needed no encouragement!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Having spent a small fortune (three boxes in total - had to keep it quiet from OH (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ), I'm now tempted to buy a proper humidity controlled case to store them in. I've resisted the temptation up to now but the Razzco ones in particular were quite pricey and having done some swotting up on the internet, my storage/rotation methods now seem a bit slapdash, to say the least! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Soo...at risk of going very slightly (IMG:style_emoticons/default/offTopic.gif) , does anyone have any thoughts about reed cases (as in humidity controlled - Rico, Vandoren etc)?

It's here (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Seem to remember I was a bad influence...... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Anyway, I'm still using Vandoren Rue lepics size 3 but I may also get a box of 3.5 next time as they are slightly softer than traditionals but it is hard work to blow in the 3.5s to start but then they have better staying power. May be better for those top notes.

We should set up a reed swap for those who wish to try out different reeds..... Where we each buy a box of something and pool the reeds, then share them out equally..... so we end up with about 2 of each of 5 different types or something..... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[clarijo]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) deja Vu? Didn't we discuss something like this on another thread........ hmmmmm????? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
About a year ago? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

See - we clarinettists are reed addicts!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

We certainly did but oddly I couldn't find the original thread - I seem to think it was yours but it could have been one of mine! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I think I was quite restrained and stuck to what I was using at the time (probably Vandorens) but since I'm down to my last three reeds (and only one of them is really any good), I have had the perfect excuse and needed no encouragement!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Having spent a small fortune (three boxes in total - had to keep it quiet from OH (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ), I'm now tempted to buy a proper humidity controlled case to store them in. I've resisted the temptation up to now but the Razzco ones in particular were quite pricey and having done some swotting up on the internet, my storage/rotation methods now seem a bit slapdash, to say the least! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Soo...at risk of going very slightly (IMG:style_emoticons/default/offTopic.gif) , does anyone have any thoughts about reed cases (as in humidity controlled - Rico, Vandoren etc)?

It's here (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Seem to remember I was a bad influence...... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

Anyway, I'm still using Vandoren Rue lepics size 3 but I may also get a box of 3.5 next time as they are slightly softer than traditionals but it is hard work to blow in the 3.5s to start but then they have better staying power. May be better for those top notes.

We should set up a reed swap for those who wish to try out different reeds..... Where we each buy a box of something and pool the reeds, then share them out equally..... so we end up with about 2 of each of 5 different types or something..... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Just smiling to myself reading the old thread - seems I've been asking almost exactly the same questions as you were asking last year!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

That's not a bad idea about pooling the reeds BUT I for one am not yet prepared to tackle a 3.5!!! Unless it's a Mitchell Lurie, as they do seem ridiculously soft! I'll be trying the Rico Reserves next but based on the Mitchell Lurie, wonder if I should have gone for a higher strength there too... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

I am still playing on my fave Vandoren too - have to say here that the good Vandorens really are good but seem to be few and far between or perhaps I've just been particularly unlucky!

I tried the Australia reeds and didn't get on with them at all.
Wasn't too keen on Mitchell Lurie either.
I used V12s for some time and liked them then changed to Rico reserve at the suggestion of another forumite last year.
I have a reed case. I did have one of the ones with a glass sheet but the glass cracked. I didn't drop it or anything, it just cracked and the bands which hold the reeds made the 2 pieces of glass overlap each other which was a bit dangerous apart from making it useless. I wasn't inclined to pay the price for a new one the same after that.

Oh dear - I'd hoped it would be a bit tougher than that! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

[smd]

I might be the wrong person to ask here, as I use and am a fan of Vandoren blue box reeds! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

However, I've tried lots and lots of different reeds over the years : I think there's a good chance you'd get on with both types of Mitchell Lurie you mention - I'd also look at the Reeds Australia products (eg. Vintage). Afraid I haven't got experience of the Pilgerstorfer reeds, sorry. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Barry, Casting your mind back to Colchester 2009 and the person who gave the masterclass (Sorry can't remember who he was) I think he recommended Pilgerstorfer reeds. And the well known web site that sells reeds mentions these were recommended to them by a well know british professional do you think that could be the same person as gave the master class?

I've moved over to Mitchell Lurie from Vandoren as I found them more consistently playable straight from the box. (Maybe because they are a bit softer and so easier to play. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) ) and they are slightly cheaper too. I also tried Legere plastic reeds and found them to be quite good and they feel nicer on your lip - but I somehow never feel like a proper clarinettist when using a plastic reed. But I probably need to set aside some time for a 'sound test' as my playing is improving and I care more about tone that just playing easily.

Another point to make is that the guy who gave the masterclass did say that since Vandorens had started sealing the reeds individually he recommended opening them and letting them dry out in the airing cupboard for a few days before trying to play them. I don't know if it helps or not but I do remember him saying it.

[barry-clari]

I might be the wrong person to ask here, as I use and am a fan of Vandoren blue box reeds! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

However, I've tried lots and lots of different reeds over the years : I think there's a good chance you'd get on with both types of Mitchell Lurie you mention - I'd also look at the Reeds Australia products (eg. Vintage). Afraid I haven't got experience of the Pilgerstorfer reeds, sorry. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Barry, Casting your mind back to Colchester 2009 and the person who gave the masterclass (Sorry can't remember who he was) I think he recommended Pilgerstorfer reeds. And the well known web site that sells reeds mentions these were recommended to them by a well know british professional do you think that could be the same person as gave the master class?

Possibly : the guy who did the masterclass was Tim Lines, and he certainly does know his way round a clarinet! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[clarijo]

Can it be that my first Mitchell Lurie Premium, opened on 28 Aug, is played out already?!!!! Sounds horribly mushy tonight and yes, I have been rotating them! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Liking the Rico Reserves...

Unfortunately, my Razzco Vintage reeds are way too soft - my clari blew so easily when I tried them, that I made myself jump! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) I don't think it's helped by the fact that I've been sent regular Vintage, Filed when I actually wanted Vintage XL, Unfiled... My fault - in my haste, I opened the pack without realising - will check more carefully next time!

The best Vandoren from my 'bad' box is still lovely and still going strong - perhaps I can just keep it going afterall!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

smd - I will be trying the Pilgerstorfers at some point, so thanks for the above! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[barry-clari]

Can it be that my first Mitchell Lurie Premium, opened on 28 Aug, is played out already?!!!! Sounds horribly mushy tonight and yes, I have been rotating them! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

It seems to be an Achilles heel with Mitchell Lurie with some players, lack of longevity. It's what turned me off them, a shame because I thought they sounded pretty good...

[clarijo]

Can it be that my first Mitchell Lurie Premium, opened on 28 Aug, is played out already?!!!! Sounds horribly mushy tonight and yes, I have been rotating them! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

It seems to be an Achilles heel with Mitchell Lurie with some players, lack of longevity. It's what turned me off them, a shame because I thought they sounded pretty good...

I do like them but if the rest are like this, then that will put me off - only five in the box, so will be lucky to get a month or so out of it!

I've been asked if I fancy having a go at sax in local band!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) Never even tried one but still intrigued.... Does this mean I will be going through this process all over again in a few weeks time but with sax reeds instead?!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[barry-clari]

I've been asked if I fancy having a go at sax in local band!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) Never even tried one but still intrigued.... Does this mean I will be going through this process all over again in a few weeks time but with sax reeds instead?!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Go for it if you fancy trying sax! Be aware the embouchure is different (you can play a sax on a clarinet embouchure, but the tone quality won't be amazing, so I wouldn't recommend it) : it's more circular than on clarinet. Also, you'll probably be surprised how much support the low notes on the sax need...

[clarijo]

I've been asked if I fancy having a go at sax in local band!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) Never even tried one but still intrigued.... Does this mean I will be going through this process all over again in a few weeks time but with sax reeds instead?!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Go for it if you fancy trying sax! Be aware the embouchure is different (you can play a sax on a clarinet embouchure, but the tone quality won't be amazing, so I wouldn't recommend it) : it's more circular than on clarinet. Also, you'll probably be surprised how much support the low notes on the sax need...

Still considering this - not sure that I have the capacity to take on another instrument! I have my hands pretty full with the clarinet and piano and something, somewhere would have to give!

On the reeds front, we have a clear winner! I've just tried a Razzco Vintage XL in a half strength stronger and I love it - very different to the standard Vintage, with exactly the kind of smooth, dark, sound I was after - especially those low notes. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) It was filed rather than unfiled and when I buy again, I will go for unfiled but I think I've finally found the perfect reed for me and my set up - many thanks for the recommendation! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

I just need to be very disciplined now and make sure that I play all the other reeds out before I go shopping again! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[barry-clari]

I've been asked if I fancy having a go at sax in local band!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) Never even tried one but still intrigued.... Does this mean I will be going through this process all over again in a few weeks time but with sax reeds instead?!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Go for it if you fancy trying sax! Be aware the embouchure is different (you can play a sax on a clarinet embouchure, but the tone quality won't be amazing, so I wouldn't recommend it) : it's more circular than on clarinet. Also, you'll probably be surprised how much support the low notes on the sax need...

Still considering this - not sure that I have the capacity to take on another instrument! I have my hands pretty full with the clarinet and piano and something, somewhere would have to give!

On the reeds front, we have a clear winner! I've just tried a Razzco Vintage XL in a half strength stronger and I love it - very different to the standard Vintage, with exactly the kind of smooth, dark, sound I was after - especially those low notes. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) It was filed rather than unfiled and when I buy again, I will go for unfiled but I think I've finally found the perfect reed for me and my set up - many thanks for the recommendation! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

I just need to be very disciplined now and make sure that I play all the other reeds out before I go shopping again! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Excellent : enjoy your new reeds! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

[smd]

On the reeds front, we have a clear winner! I've just tried a Razzco Vintage XL in a half strength stronger and I love it

Glad you found one you like

[Tequila]

Yep enjoy!!! I think that was one of the one's I mentioned on last year's thread???? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) but still haven't tried.

[clarijo]

Thanks, both! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Dawn, you mentioned the Razzco Passion in your thread last year, which I did look at but decided to go for the Vintage XL instead. Have to say that they come out quite soft against Vandorens - I went for a half strength stronger but may go up again on the next box. Also, the Vintage XL has a much darker sound compared to the standard Vintage but that could be just with my mouthpiece - the Vintage XLs are for a long facing/narrower tip whereas the standard Vintages are more for medium/open, which could be why I didn't like the sound on my mouthpiece! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[sbhoa]

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.