It definitely is- but it's very frustrating for me personally because I've done some of my best playing on Vandorens- I just don't like the day to day unpredictability.
Thank you for this video and the one on mouthpieces. I have just found your videos. I also have enjoyed the Clarinet Ninja videos. I am 75 yrs. Old and have been playing the clarinet since I was 8. I studied with Joe Allard in NYC for 10 years during which time , I could go into stores on 48th street and buy one or 2 reeds at a time! I had many lessons on balancing reeds with Mr. Allard and it took a long time to be able to control a reed knife. I have found that the Reed Geek is a wonderful tool and much easier to control. Now the questions: I notice your pencil markings on the butt of the V12 what do they represent? Is the a retailer in the US for the Woodstone reeds? Have you tried the new Morre French cut reeds.? In the 1970’s I played the original Morre reeds on a Cicero Kasper mouthpiece. They were diving boards and required much work, but then played beautifully and lasted. The current Morres are made in Europe and many more are playable right out of the box. Good tone and articulation. I will subscribe to your channel and please continue making these wonderful videos.
Thank you for the subscription! During the break in process I put a slash on the butt of the reed for every day I play it. Once I hit six or seven is when I usually start to play on them in a regular fashion. As to vendors, I have two linked in the description. Unfortunately, they do tend to go out of stock often since they are imported from Japan. I haven't tried the new Pilgerstorfer Morre reeds, but I do like the Dolce reeds very much. Thank you for watching!
Hi John! this is Elden from Hawaii. Just curious…have you continued to use these reeds. I did buy them and like them A LOT! At this point I’m still staying to get my embouchure to get stronger so it’s hard to ell with me, but I was just wondering if you found it best to play on these in the long run? Hope that you are well and thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us!
Hi Elden! Yes, I am still using them. I really like them- I think they're Rigotti cane? They work really well with two of my main mouthpieces, and nominally with another- it really depends on your mouthpiece and playing style. I'm glad you like them and they work for you! Thanks for watching!
I play WoodStone 3.5+, they make this intermediate strength also. They are really consistent, I use virtually every reed in the box. I one is too stiff I pick one of the other mouthpieces.
You're a professional, so I imagine you've heard this before. Somebody once told me that to keep reeds real well despite the weather, they used a cigar closet (or expensive cigar box). They're temperature and humidity controlled.
I go back and forth. I've used the Vandoren Hygrocase, which I like, but I also find that storing your case in a ziplock bag can often be as much humidity as you need where I live. Most double reed players do not use temperature or humidity controlled cases- I tend to follow their example because they know a lot more about reeds than I do, lol. In fact, an oboist in my orchestra is staunchly against them- they claim that yes, your reeds feel great upon taking them out of a humidity controlled case, but after five minutes of being exposed to the 'normal' room conditions, they change drastically. Personally, I like my reeds to acclimate, which is why I like the traditional flat glass French reed case. Thanks for watching!
I have- I believe he's using Rigotti cane, but don't quote me on that. I'm glad you've found something that works well for you! Thanks again for watching!
I don’t hear anyone mentioning Vandoren 56 Rue Lepic. I get some good reeds and a nice woody tone, but they don’t last long. I did not care for V12’s or V21’s. (Chedeville mouthpiece). Does anyone else use this combination?
Haha "Vandoren Knights". As a teacher at CCM once said, "I have no allegiance to Vandoren. I just use V12s because I can't yet find anything better. If I find something better, goodbye Vandoren! You're just another company that makes stuff that I use... for now!" And gave out a hearty laugh. To me, the concept of defending a big company simply because of name and one's own personal preference is... questionable? It's one thing to love particular reeds; I also really love V12's, despite all the issues you very well described in the video. It's another to defend a company just because someone points out there's some issues with it. I really look forward to trying these Wood Stone reeds when I get back to Cincinnati; the changing temperatures and swings in humidity last January made me carry 10-12 boxes of reeds to rehearsals and lessons; it was almost ridiculous. Of course, you sound fantastic with them, and it gives me some hope that there is possibility for a consistent cane reed. Looking forward to your next updates!
Thank you! I too was really pleased with the results! I see also that they have a 3.5+, so even more flexibility. AND…. If you only have to use one box at a time to find 2-3 really good reeds, you’re actually saving money- these were $17 a box! Thanks again for watching, and best of luck at CCM this coming semester!
@@john.kurokawa $17 a box? My goodness, that's got to be the cheapest box of reeds I've ever heard of that still has 2-3 good reeds in it! I'll let you know what I think of them as soon as I try them. Thanks for making the video! Side note: Do you teach masterclasses? I know you teach many classes at WSU; it would be awesome to be able to see you in person, either at WSU or CCM or any other place you might do a masterclass at.
@@amaypant I do! I haven't reached out to Professor Vinnitsky yet, but hope to do so at some point. Yes, the price is right! Even at $20, it's still a good price if you get 2-3 good reeds in the box!
I have- I have several boxes, but might need to revisit them. The problems I had when I started to like them was that they were quite expensive (more than Vandoren) and they were frequently out of stock. But…. Thanks for the recommendation and for watching!
I'm just getting back into playing Clarinet after many years away from it. In looking at reed options, there's now plastic reeds? How do synthetic reeds stack up?
Good question! I think they’re getting better and better, but you have to have a mouthpiece that works with them. I’ve not found them good enough (yet) to use on the job, but some are doing so with great success. Thanks for watching!
Hey John, thanks for the great video! I've heard that double-reed players adjust their reeds only when they're wet/damp. When using a ReedGeek with this method, we would need to wet the whole reed, not just the vamp. I'm still testing this out, but what do you think about this? Thanks!
I tend to not we the bottom portion of the reed, because it will dry out and there's no way to re-wet it. I've found generally that I have less reed warpage when doing this, but I would do whatever work for you. Thanks for watching, and Happy New Year!
Just curious whats your opinion on plastic reed such as the legere European cut? Personally i prefer for my reeds to be in foil until ready to be played. This is because for high humidity countries such as Singapore where im living, unused reeds often become moldy during storage and its very painful having to discard them. 😅
I had not heard of that occurring in high humidity countries- but it is certainly a valid concern. I have not had good luck with synthetics in the past, and the only current one I’ve tried is the D’addario Ven. @clarinetninja has some excellent videos on the VK1 and new French cut Legere. I’d definitely like to try both of these at some point. Thanks for watching!
@@john.kurokawa ok, what ligature are you playing in this video if it makes any difference? I am still playing on a Harrison that hasn't been stretched out or broken...lol. Thanks.
@@martinconsulting5483 The ligature I'm using in the video is a horizontal Momo ligature (pink gold). I do like it very much, but the jury is still out... there are other ligatures I'm looking at!
About a year ago I switched from my regular V12 to the D’Addario Reserve Classic. The sound and response of each reed is unparalleled.
Glad you found something that works well for you. Thanks for watching!
That frustration with vandoren is so real though, wish I had changed reeds sooner.
It definitely is- but it's very frustrating for me personally because I've done some of my best playing on Vandorens- I just don't like the day to day unpredictability.
Thank you for this video and the one on mouthpieces. I have just found your videos. I also have enjoyed the Clarinet Ninja videos. I am 75 yrs. Old and have been playing the clarinet since I was 8. I studied with Joe Allard in NYC for 10 years during which time , I could go into stores on 48th street and buy one or 2 reeds at a time! I had many lessons on balancing reeds with Mr. Allard and it took a long time to be able to control a reed knife. I have found that the Reed Geek is a wonderful tool and much easier to control. Now the questions: I notice your pencil markings on the butt of the V12 what do they represent? Is the a retailer in the US for the Woodstone reeds? Have you tried the new Morre French cut reeds.? In the 1970’s I played the original Morre reeds on a Cicero Kasper mouthpiece. They were diving boards and required much work, but then played beautifully and lasted. The current Morres are made in Europe and many more are playable right out of the box. Good tone and articulation. I will subscribe to your channel and please continue making these wonderful videos.
Thank you for the subscription! During the break in process I put a slash on the butt of the reed for every day I play it. Once I hit six or seven is when I usually start to play on them in a regular fashion. As to vendors, I have two linked in the description. Unfortunately, they do tend to go out of stock often since they are imported from Japan. I haven't tried the new Pilgerstorfer Morre reeds, but I do like the Dolce reeds very much. Thank you for watching!
Thanks for the great video! I was inspired to break in some V12s while watching your video. I think I'll try the Wood Stones as well.
I hope they work as well for you as they did for me! Thanks for watching!
Hi John! this is Elden from Hawaii. Just curious…have you continued to use these reeds. I did buy them and like them A LOT! At this point I’m still staying to get my embouchure to get stronger so it’s hard to ell with me, but I was just wondering if you found it best to play on these in the long run? Hope that you are well and thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us!
Hi Elden! Yes, I am still using them. I really like them- I think they're Rigotti cane? They work really well with two of my main mouthpieces, and nominally with another- it really depends on your mouthpiece and playing style. I'm glad you like them and they work for you! Thanks for watching!
I play WoodStone 3.5+, they make this intermediate strength also. They are really consistent, I use virtually every reed in the box. I one is too stiff I pick one of the other mouthpieces.
I really like them! I just wish they wouldn’t go out of stock so often. Thanks for watching!
You're a professional, so I imagine you've heard this before. Somebody once told me that to keep reeds real well despite the weather, they used a cigar closet (or expensive cigar box). They're temperature and humidity controlled.
I go back and forth. I've used the Vandoren Hygrocase, which I like, but I also find that storing your case in a ziplock bag can often be as much humidity as you need where I live. Most double reed players do not use temperature or humidity controlled cases- I tend to follow their example because they know a lot more about reeds than I do, lol. In fact, an oboist in my orchestra is staunchly against them- they claim that yes, your reeds feel great upon taking them out of a humidity controlled case, but after five minutes of being exposed to the 'normal' room conditions, they change drastically. Personally, I like my reeds to acclimate, which is why I like the traditional flat glass French reed case. Thanks for watching!
Have you ever tried Brad Behn's Brio reeds? Thats my current go to and for me at least it seems very hassle free with little need for adjusting.
I have- I believe he's using Rigotti cane, but don't quote me on that. I'm glad you've found something that works well for you! Thanks again for watching!
I don’t hear anyone mentioning Vandoren 56 Rue Lepic. I get some good reeds and a nice woody tone, but they don’t last long. I did not care for V12’s or V21’s. (Chedeville mouthpiece). Does anyone else use this combination?
Sonido fantástico ❤
Haha "Vandoren Knights". As a teacher at CCM once said, "I have no allegiance to Vandoren. I just use V12s because I can't yet find anything better. If I find something better, goodbye Vandoren! You're just another company that makes stuff that I use... for now!" And gave out a hearty laugh. To me, the concept of defending a big company simply because of name and one's own personal preference is... questionable? It's one thing to love particular reeds; I also really love V12's, despite all the issues you very well described in the video. It's another to defend a company just because someone points out there's some issues with it.
I really look forward to trying these Wood Stone reeds when I get back to Cincinnati; the changing temperatures and swings in humidity last January made me carry 10-12 boxes of reeds to rehearsals and lessons; it was almost ridiculous. Of course, you sound fantastic with them, and it gives me some hope that there is possibility for a consistent cane reed. Looking forward to your next updates!
Thank you! I too was really pleased with the results! I see also that they have a 3.5+, so even more flexibility. AND…. If you only have to use one box at a time to find 2-3 really good reeds, you’re actually saving money- these were $17 a box! Thanks again for watching, and best of luck at CCM this coming semester!
@@john.kurokawa $17 a box? My goodness, that's got to be the cheapest box of reeds I've ever heard of that still has 2-3 good reeds in it! I'll let you know what I think of them as soon as I try them. Thanks for making the video!
Side note: Do you teach masterclasses? I know you teach many classes at WSU; it would be awesome to be able to see you in person, either at WSU or CCM or any other place you might do a masterclass at.
@@amaypant I do! I haven't reached out to Professor Vinnitsky yet, but hope to do so at some point. Yes, the price is right! Even at $20, it's still a good price if you get 2-3 good reeds in the box!
@@john.kurokawa that would be amazing! Whenever you end up doing it, I look forward to it :)
You should try the German Steuer reeds
I have- I have several boxes, but might need to revisit them. The problems I had when I started to like them was that they were quite expensive (more than Vandoren) and they were frequently out of stock. But…. Thanks for the recommendation and for watching!
I'm just getting back into playing Clarinet after many years away from it. In looking at reed options, there's now plastic reeds? How do synthetic reeds stack up?
Good question! I think they’re getting better and better, but you have to have a mouthpiece that works with them. I’ve not found them good enough (yet) to use on the job, but some are doing so with great success. Thanks for watching!
Hey John, thanks for the great video! I've heard that double-reed players adjust their reeds only when they're wet/damp. When using a ReedGeek with this method, we would need to wet the whole reed, not just the vamp. I'm still testing this out, but what do you think about this? Thanks!
I tend to not we the bottom portion of the reed, because it will dry out and there's no way to re-wet it. I've found generally that I have less reed warpage when doing this, but I would do whatever work for you. Thanks for watching, and Happy New Year!
Just curious whats your opinion on plastic reed such as the legere European cut?
Personally i prefer for my reeds to be in foil until ready to be played. This is because for high humidity countries such as Singapore where im living, unused reeds often become moldy during storage and its very painful having to discard them. 😅
I had not heard of that occurring in high humidity countries- but it is certainly a valid concern. I have not had good luck with synthetics in the past, and the only current one I’ve tried is the D’addario Ven. @clarinetninja has some excellent videos on the VK1 and new French cut Legere.
I’d definitely like to try both of these at some point. Thanks for watching!
Thanks! I will go check it out. Cheers. Merry Christmas to you too and happy holiday! 😊
What ligature did you decide on or did I miss you saying that?
Still in flux. That video is forthcoming! Thanks for watching!
@@john.kurokawa ok, what ligature are you playing in this video if it makes any difference? I am still playing on a Harrison that hasn't been stretched out or broken...lol. Thanks.
@@martinconsulting5483 The ligature I'm using in the video is a horizontal Momo ligature (pink gold). I do like it very much, but the jury is still out... there are other ligatures I'm looking at!