Clarinet Reed Shopping Time (again!) Options

[clarijo]

I've been ruthlessly going through my considerable stash of saved-for-later (rejected) reeds in recent week and having binned nearly all of them, can now justify buying some new ones! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I was disappointed with my last box of Vandorens (traditionals) and had at most four out of ten which were good ones - the rest were either complete duds or just took forever to blow in. I've been browsing a certain online reed supplier and am tempted to try Pilgerstorfer, probably the Dolce type. Has anyone used these and can you tell me how they compare with Vandorens?

Also, for anyone using Mitchell Lurie, how do the Premiums differ from the standard ones?

I'm aiming for a rich, dark sound which is clear, rather than bright - any further suggestions are most welcome! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)

[CJB]

I've never used one of the fancy humidity controlled cases. I'm a great fan though of storing the reeds in the sort of case which holds them on glass. I find I get less crinkly reeds than I used to plus I don't break the corners off the reeds putting them back in their caes (I can be a little clumsy especially when tired at the end if rehearsals)

[clarijo]

I've never used one of the fancy humidity controlled cases. I'm a great fan though of storing the reeds in the sort of case which holds them on glass. I find I get less crinkly reeds than I used to plus I don't break the corners off the reeds putting them back in their caes (I can be a little clumsy especially when tired at the end if rehearsals)

Thanks for this. After reading several internet articles and reviews, neither me nor OH (who isn't at all musical but was interested in the physics of it!!) were convinced by the humidity controlled case. However, I can see the obvious logic of keeping the reeds completely flat, so I went off in search of something suitable and have treated myself to a very dinky little case from Howarths, which will hold my reeds on a glass sheet.

As far as my general reed testing goes, I have so far played on two reeds from my new box of Mitchell Lurie Premiums. They are without doubt much softer than my Vandorens (and that's buying a half strength stronger!) However, I was quite impressed and they appeared to be consistent on first play. If I buy again (which I might!), then I will go up another half strength. Will be continuing my reed trials over the next week or two... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clarinet.gif)