Reeds!, Clarinet + sax Options

[RaInBoW_fReAk]

hey! I have been using normal vandoran reeds on my clarinet and sax ever since i started to play, but i think i need some new ones. Can anyone suggest better makes or sizes etc.? I play clarinet size 2 or 2 1/2 and sax 2 1/2. Thank - yoo!
<3 daisy <3

[TSax]

Looking at your signature you obviously know how to play your instruments, so best bet is just to try some out and see what you like. Look at any thread about reeds and you'll get completely opposite points of view because it's so individual. It depends what you're playing (classical or jazz), what mouthpiece you're using and most of all you.

[Appassionata]

I agree that you need to experiment with different makes as well as strengths. Try the new Rue Lepic Vandoren Clarinet reeds as although they are more expensive, they're great and reliable! I've gone back to using Hemke No 3 Alto sax reeds. I just find them more versatile than Vandoren or Rico Royal.

[neil.clarinet]

I have stuck firmly with Vandoren on clarinet and sax. 3.5+ Rue Lepic on clarinet and normal 3 on sax, but I am past grade 8 on clarinet. You could certainly do worse than Vandoren. Try a search on reeds, it's come up a lot. You might also get topics on this on woodwind.org (or google 'clarinet bulletin board'). Experiment is the key word.

[stevensfo]

How long have you been playing, and with which mouthpieces?

After a lot of playing, plastic mouthpieces get scratched and damaged. The rails need to be perfect, otherwise you'll have squeaks, vibration and other problems.

I don't think it's the reeds!

Steve

[Nicia-Clarinet-Flute]

If you go to a woodwind specialist music shop you can try different reeds mouthpieces swap and change them about til you find the right combination for you and your instrument just remeber to take your instrument along!!

I use (on my clarinet) a p. jeeger mouthpiece and alexander superial d.c. reeds size 2.5, be careful with reeds because a asdc 2.5 is the same as vandoren 3 so don't automatically think reeds have universal sizes.

I have a old vintage buffet bc20 (for runner to the rc) and this combination works fantastic.

People get on with different mouthpieces and reeds and the standard upgrade is a vandoren b45 mouthpiece but i didn't really like the sound it gave and after trying nearly all the shop opted for a p. jeeger (some norwiegen make) i really loved the peter eaton mouthpiece but they are a ridiculas amount of money (around £250)

Keep in mind instruments are you playing an instrument to you standard? I played a buffet e13 for a while and really out grew it but didn't ever like the instrument anyway. When i chose my current i went right through the shop and tryed r13 (seem no better than e13 to me!) rc, tosca's, the lot but fell in love with the sound of a pair of bc20's, different people are suited to different instruments though.

I will say you get what you pay for as with anything.

[barry-clari]

Experiment - see what you like (for reeds AND mouthpieces).

I think the important word in the above sentence is 'you'. I play on a Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, with standard Vandoren strength 3 reeds, but this doesn't mean that the combination I like will be necessarily right for you (though of course it could be that our tastes coincide).

I think a trip to a good music shop that will let you try mouthpieces out is in order! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Sianie9]

So reed sizes aren't universal - I did wonder! I've tried Vandoren and Rico and Vandoren seem to be harder - is this right? I'm currently using a size 2 Rico - my teacher suggested a 2 - but I have some 1.5 Vandorens that I bought to try out before he suggested this - are they about the same - it's hard to tell!

[barry-clari]

So reed sizes aren't universal - I did wonder! I've tried Vandoren and Rico and Vandoren seem to be harder - is this right? I'm currently using a size 2 Rico - my teacher suggested a 2 - but I have some 1.5 Vandorens that I bought to try out before he suggested this - are they about the same - it's hard to tell!

You're right Sianie9, Vandorens are a bit harder than the equivalent Ricos, but Vandorens are, in my opinion, nicer reeds. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Do try the Vandoren 1.5s, see how you go.

[Nicia-Clarinet-Flute]

Wish they all where universal size would make things sooo much easier!!!!

As a guide Vandorens are around .5 thicker than the equivelent rico as barry clari said earlier.

The Alexander d.c. reeds i play are aroun .5 thicker than vandoren.

I've only ever played rico's a couple of times so can't really give my opinion!! The Vandorens are a good solid all round reed good for everyone but still try others as different reeds suit different mouthpieces and instruments.

I am really suited to Alexander reeds. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

So maybe you could try Vandoren, Rico Royal, Michel Lurie, Grand Concert, Vandoren V12, Vandoren Rue 56, and of course Alexander Suprial D.C. Just not all at once!!!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[purple dolphin]

I really like the Mitchell Lurie reeds, and find that I get far more reeds that will play well straight out of the box than for say, vandorens.

SeI was going to give you a nice link to a comparison chart, but the page that I had bookmarked is no longer configured. If I find one though, I will post a link

EDIT- Found one! See Here You have to click on the link to the page though, as it comes up in a separate window without showing the email address.

[Nicia-Clarinet-Flute]

I noticed the vandorens sometimes you got a great box and another time you got a really bad box.

The Alexander tins seem really really good though and i haven't had an unplayable one yet!