As a broadway pit performer I can tell you synthetic reeds will save your life. You are constantly changing instruments and you don't have time to fuss with a wood reed. A lot of the time you'll play a reed instrument then not touch it again for 15 minutes. Plenty of time for a wood reed to dry out. You then have to pick up that instrument quickly and perform flawlessly right away. Wood reeds don't allow for that.
I am really enjoying the passion and attention to detail you have for reeds. It's quite amazing to me, actually. As a tenor player with little patience for reeds, I slap a Fibracell on and go for it. I always feel like I'm missing something, though; I'm finding your reed videos quite interesting and educational. Thanks so much!
My band teacher told my class a horror story about a teacher band he knew who told they're students to soak their reeds in Coca Cola so it would taste better. Brings shivers down my spine every time I think of it.
@@lesliefranklin1870 Hi. The reason your comment doesn't have any likes or replies is because, believe it or not, many oboe and bassoon players actually also purchase their reeds. The only reason why many double reed players make their own reeds is because double reeds are more complicated to make so they are lower in supply and more expensive.
same love hate relationship with vandoren, I just want to give up on them sometimes! and flavored reeds are a total joke, but anyways, thank you for always taking your time to make videos for us bass clarinet players
This video was really helpful. I am a Bass Clarinet player, and havent played in a few years. This helped me get an idea of a reed that I can get to get back into playing, and that I could afford.
I hate the vandoran v12 reeds. I have always used the vandoran blue/purple box and my band director told me I should use those but every single reed was an evil reed that sounded airy and could not play anything quieter than a forte dynamic. I tried doing some minor work on all of them, nothing too complicated as I am not a reed expert and just 1 of the 5 was somewhat playable at practice but I would never dare take it to anything other than a practice every once in a while
I greatly prefer that the v12s over the regular ones. But they do tend to be a little more stubborn out of the box and take some time to break in. They are also a little harder to play on, So they’re definitely not for everyone.
@@chasten7540 I might have gotten a strength too high or a bad box, bit every reed felt really bad, fuzzy and I just couldnt even start to get the sound I wanted out of any of them
I really think you should try a Legere signature series. I play those on my Bb clarinet and they are wonderful. I haven't heard very good things about their cheaper models, but I haven't had any trouble out of any signature. I bought one and played it for months and got tired of it, I gave it to someone else and they've been using it for a few months, it still plays wonderfully! Also Gonzales reeds work wonders for me. I use the For Our Friends and a lot of professionals really like them. If you had bad results maybe you should try them again. But I've also never been very impressed with Vandoren reeds, even with a Vandoren mouthpiece and Optimum ligature. I don't like having to do so much work on reeds to get a decent result out of them. I guess that's why I like Legere- no work on them. If I do have to work on a Gonzales, it is very minimal. Out of a box of 10 I could play all 10 right out of the box.
I've tried a signature series baritone saxophone reed, they performed brilliantly and had great tone. However, I picked up a studio cut legere reed (probably an older reed), and it had a thin sound; not to mention the insane resistance which is just something to be aware of. So I think the signature cut series is worth the extra few dollars, in general it has a more warm and full sound.
LaVoz reeds are Rico reeds... same product. Always was. A guy did his thesis on Rico history... went to the factory, met all the owners. It is documented.
I'd be interested in seeing you do a comparison of the standard Legere and the Legere signature. All sources seem to say that the "signature" ones are worlds better.
Jim Benson I've been using 2 3/4 strenght Legere Signature Tenor Sax reeds for a while and now testing Forestone Black Bamboo Mediums which feel pretty similar in strenght but Black Bamboos definately have much better projection and feel very close to a regular reed.
The best synthetic reed option for now on the Bass is the Légère Signature Tenor Sax reed. They will never be as good as a good cane reed, but with the right setup, a synthetic reed can save you a whole lot of hassle, especially if you are outside or have to leave the horn sitting for an hour and pick it up cold.
I'm a Alto Sax player, and used to play some Vandoren cane reeds. Due to playing in church, and having quite a bit of time between when we play, I switched to a Legere reed with my S80-C*. At first I didn't notice a difference. It could have been because I had only been playing sax for a few months before playing at church. Recently I decided to try the Vandoren's that have been sitting in a drawer. I'm with you, I love the sound so much better out of the cane reeds than the synthetic. However, I will continue to play the synthetic reed at church because I don't have to babysit it and keep it wet.
Wouldn’t it be more beneficial to describe how to work on the reeds to get the playability you desire? You mentioned a Marca felt different in various dynamics, but then said Vandoren were workable. Compare the hearts and weights of each side of the reeds and make some comparisons of how to work them to playable? Show us the before, the process, and result of working the reeds to your standards.
With my instrument(A selmer Bass Clarinet) I use 3 1/2 Vandoren or Rico reeds. With the Rico's I get a consistent quality in reeds and play-ability, but they don't perform as nicely as my Vandoren reeds, which produce such a beautiful rich sound when I get a nice reed.
Personally, I use Vandoran. I'm only a second year player - But I prefer them. I soak them in water for 2 minutes, play them, and spray them with cleaner. I get a great sound from them, for the most part. I have to break them in a little bit before I can get to the highest few notes, though. (Mind you, I only play clarinet, not bass)
As a tenor sax and bari sax player, the Fibracells actually worked far better on a wider variety of mouthpieces and I was able to play top to bottom quite well. Tasted weirdly sour though, but it went away.
I actually started tenor sax using my bass clarinet reeds xD right now I'm using fibracell on my tenor sax and a selmer s80 c* mouthpiece, I noticed for me personally, that the responsive, tone, loudness, all just as good as my Vandoren reeds.
I have tried a legere signature cut baritone saxophone reed, and I didn't have trouble playing it really at all, it was very similar to cane. However, my friend said it didn't have the same exact bite, but I still had a decent kick out of it. Point is, it didn't squeak for me. Not sure about altissimo squeaking however, I'm an alto player and i found it difficult for me to get them out on both cane and synthetic.
Great Review! I play Soprano and Bass Clarinet and I love the Vandoren V12's too. I like the B45 mouthpiece the best, but I also have the Masters 5 and M13 lyre. Synthetic reeds are too uncontrollable for me too.
I use tenor reeds on my bass clarinet and bass clarinet reeds on my tenor lol. I play orchestral saxophone and I use the bass clarinet grand concert series 4.5s on my tenor. Then I use vandoren V16 on my bass clarinet. Red javas also do well on my bcl setup.
I'm a student and have been using Fibracell reeds for the past 3 1/2 years or so, but I do find they are horrible when I first get new ones and it generally takes at least a week or so to sound decent, but they work well after some love, although they don't seem ideal for high notes. It's really interesting to see how different reeds can be based on the instrument and the person and other factors as well.
I usually play Bass Clarinet in concert band, but for the marching band, I needed to play soprano. At the request of my director, I tried a V12 and loved it. I just ordered a box of V21's though.
Unfortunately, school budgets don't allow for better reeds than the Rico. In addition, few families will spend the money unless their child is taking private lessons. What do you recommend?
PS ! I did shave my reed a little bit with sand paper like 3/4 swipes I normally just play on a 3 maybe I shaved it too much and. I close is it off when I play
You sound great on any reed (well, except for the Fibercell). Did Mitchell Lurie ever make a bass clarinet reed ? I don't remember. Roy J Mier ? Carl Fischer? Symetricut ? Glotin ? Selmer Omega?
I actually love the La Voz reeds for my alto clarinet, but not for the bass - like you said, combination of all the parts makes a huge difference. I haven't found the V12s all that inconsistent, but I may have just gotten a good box. Then again, I'm not playing enough to wear my reeds out for a *long* time. That's how you save a good reed - play less :D
You're an amazing and funny teacher. It's easier to learn when it's funny. I thought higher reeds numbers meant thicker and stiffer. No wonder a Vandoren 2 1/2 is hard to play for me (beginner) Which Vandoren number and series is the easiest to breath through? (Longevity 30mins-1hrs)
Interesting video thanks. I recently tried a Fibracell on my Bb clarinet and was disappointed with the thin sound compared to my usual blue box Vandoren reeds that i've been using for the past 25 years or so. I did however like the fact that i could play a very top F pianissimo and with no effort at all!
Peter Leuthner Reeds are freaking amazing they always sound good i play on french cut and they never sound bad nor have i ever played on one that sounded bad every single one sounds good
Could you please make a video about the placement of the reed on the mouthpiece, and the placement of the ligature on it as well? I am never sure exactly how high or low to place them.
Vandoren is simply the best. I've tried over 20 different brand/types of reeds and some of them are very expensive handmade ones and others are handfinished with sandpaper and I always always go back to V12. I also got the same result with Marca reeds. Very inconsistent and they just feel very wired and I did try their whole range for Bb clarinet.
+Jordan Miller Maybe but I've got them to work on many different mouthpieces by different makers,Vandoren,Grabner,Morgan,Bay,Lomax,Eaton(UK),Pillinger(UK)just to name some of the mouthpieces I own or have tried.
Michael, try one of the Fiberreeds. I use them on my tenor sax. And, I find I can use those same reeds on my new BC. I prefer the original (white) in Medium-Soft or Medium hardness. I get no buzz from them on my tenor sax as opposed to any other synthetic reed I've tried. ON my BC, I find them easier to play than Legere. So, what thinkest thou?
I play on vandoren but cause I march I go through one every 2 weeks or even less I don't like them on Bb clarinet but they're good for my bass clarinet
Great Review! Have you tried Vandoren tenor sax red box Java? They are the only ones I use besides blue box when I need more pronounced articulation, and they work great for doubling bass clarinet in a big band!
When you "put a reed away" after "twenty minutes or so," ..........can you EVER re-use that Reed? In other words, once the Reed fails to respond the way you need it to, is it shot for life and should be thrown out, (or used to clean your teeth) or can it be used later on?
If you need your reed to have a flavor, put a small amount of mouthwash in some water and soak the Reed after you play, to sanitize it. Next time you play, it will be minty.
I disagree with your comments on synthetic reeds (although admittedly I've played many for a while now because I got sick of the inconsistencies in Vamdorren). I can play both very quietly and very loudly on my Legiere, which is admittedly the only brand of synthetics I enjoy playing on, and I enjoy quite a nice response from them. I find the synthetics take a lot of getting used to and require an adjustment period as well as a slightly different setup on the mouthpiece from cane, and also that the smaller reeds are a bit tricky... I play synthetic on everything larger than my Bb but on my Eb or when I'm playing C need a cane reed as I lose tonal characteristics on the Legiere.
I got a purple strength 3 box of Vandoren reeds for five reeds......i got one good read........and i cant even play high notes very well on it. Its very fuzzy but plays lower notes better if you play with more air. One of the reeds dont make any sound!
Have you tried Rigotti reeds? I am very happy with them for Bb-clarinet, very consistent and durable. I have just ordered some strenghts for the bass, will be interesting to try them. BD5 mouthpiece.
i kind o like the idea of playing with the synthetic reeds -- just dont dig the fuss (especially since i am brand new, and rather aged). anyway, the bass clarinet sounds good and reminds me of the whimsical feeling evoked by pieces in the nutcracker suite.
Interesting, tho to me, as an undisciplined beginner they pretty much sound the same (except for the weird ones at the end-flavoured reeds, really?). But having said that you play a bass, mine is a budget soprano. Oh one thing from watching your videos. You make me want a bass!
I've been thinking about getting a plastic Reed but if they're don't play loud very well there is no way I can march with it you already can't hear me XD bass clarinet struggles
I'm confused about the difference between traditional vandoren and v12. The reed charts that I see sometimes has v12s softer than traditional, but you say otherwise. I could be reading the chart wrong but I usually have been going for a higher strength when I order v12 vs. traditional.
Could you do a video on tongueing legato and having a lighter tongue, because when I played soprano several years ago, I could could tongue very lightly, but I feel that I tongue very heavy with bass clarinet and it is starting to affect my speed control.
honestly it's really sad but I can barely ever get reeds because I don't have the money and I have like 1 that works right now and ILMEA is coming up and I AM SO STRESSED OUT but for an actual question, I don't know if you've mentioned this before, but do you prefer a wooden bass clarinet or that weird synthetic material they're using? The one I use is the school's instrument and is wooden; I haven't had experience with one that isn't, but I know some people like them and some people don't.
Couldn't get my hands on them in time. But I have tried them before and they were not impressive. Not sure if Harry plays/played those, but when we were working together he was on Vandoren.
Did you make that video on how to break in the reeds? You mentioned it in the title of both of the videos but I don't remember you saying exactly how to work on them.
+Euan Zhang put them in water for a minute or 2. Then play them for 5-10 minutes. do that every day or couple of days. Do it for a bit untill they are broke in
the lavoz is Nice reeds like you said it is RICO reeds La Voz is made by Rico and is a rico brand, i dont understand why it is branded as La Voz the brand is RICO and the model or type is La Voz
So I'm a high school bass clarinet player and the only one in my whole band. That being said, I don't have much information about the best option for a mouthpiece. I was wondering if you've ever used a Vandoren B44. I'm attempting to decide between the B44 and B50. Thanks for your help
livezinthemoment Try both -- you can always send one back, provided it isn't scratched or damaged in any way (including scratched by your teeth. so use a piece of tape or a mouthpiece patch during your trial)
Flavor Reed
"Taste the Music"
It tastes horrible
Sir Jan - Keeper of the Vigil
XD
I sound like a ad gone wrong
And they stain and kinda ruin the instrument lol
They taste just like the music you make
As a broadway pit performer I can tell you synthetic reeds will save your life.
You are constantly changing instruments and you don't have time to fuss with a wood reed.
A lot of the time you'll play a reed instrument then not touch it again for 15 minutes. Plenty of time for a wood reed to dry out.
You then have to pick up that instrument quickly and perform flawlessly right away. Wood reeds don't allow for that.
Jerry Granata you are absolutely spot-on right. That's why legere reeds are great for that sort of situation. I'd use them in that environment too
Earspasm Music I use Legere in the pits and love them. Fibracell will work better for certain instruments such as Bass Saxophone.
Jerry Granata is
Isn't that what the cap is for?
@@chloejackson-reynolds418 no, the cap is supposed to stop damage
I love the fact that on Flavorreeds' website they misspelled Vandoren.
I prefer a plastic/synthetic reed for marching band, where the conditions can get quite bad, but besides from that always use Vandorens.
shanefm02 Vandoren Paris ftw
Agreed
I am really enjoying the passion and attention to detail you have for reeds. It's quite amazing to me, actually. As a tenor player with little patience for reeds, I slap a Fibracell on and go for it. I always feel like I'm missing something, though; I'm finding your reed videos quite interesting and educational. Thanks so much!
My band teacher told my class a horror story about a teacher band he knew who told they're students to soak their reeds in Coca Cola so it would taste better. Brings shivers down my spine every time I think of it.
Can you do the same thing but for Bb clarinet please ?
there is a reed made out of plexiglass... You should check it out. My band teacher has one and her clarinet sounds AMAZING! I play bass tho so idk
wondering if you could test it out?
I see those vandoren reeds and I wish that vandoren would make 56 reeds for the bass clarinet
Me too.
Oboe and bassoon players make their own reeds. Perhaps as an experiment, you can try making your own?
They now have V21 reeds which are a combination of V12 and 56. If you haven't already...give them a try. I'm planning on trying them out.
@@lesliefranklin1870 Hi. The reason your comment doesn't have any likes or replies is because, believe it or not, many oboe and bassoon players actually also purchase their reeds. The only reason why many double reed players make their own reeds is because double reeds are more complicated to make so they are lower in supply and more expensive.
@@mambojazz1 Ha! You replied to my comment. Na na na na nah. Have a great day!
same love hate relationship with vandoren, I just want to give up on them sometimes! and flavored reeds are a total joke, but anyways, thank you for always taking your time to make videos for us bass clarinet players
xochitl bass clarinet gang rise up
It seems that whenever I have reed issues this pops up in my recommendations.
They See **EVERYTHING**
This video was really helpful. I am a Bass Clarinet player, and havent played in a few years. This helped me get an idea of a reed that I can get to get back into playing, and that I could afford.
I hate the vandoran v12 reeds. I have always used the vandoran blue/purple box and my band director told me I should use those but every single reed was an evil reed that sounded airy and could not play anything quieter than a forte dynamic. I tried doing some minor work on all of them, nothing too complicated as I am not a reed expert and just 1 of the 5 was somewhat playable at practice but I would never dare take it to anything other than a practice every once in a while
I greatly prefer that the v12s over the regular ones. But they do tend to be a little more stubborn out of the box and take some time to break in. They are also a little harder to play on, So they’re definitely not for everyone.
The V12s have worked great in my experience, only reeds I use currently. Sounds great, gives me a good range, and is perfectly audible
@@chasten7540 I might have gotten a strength too high or a bad box, bit every reed felt really bad, fuzzy and I just couldnt even start to get the sound I wanted out of any of them
His glasses are everything😂
This is a great review, I love your humor involved in such a serious subject. Great playing too!!
you are the main reason I have a bass clarinet
I ended up here while looking for sax stuff, but I really enjoyed it! xD I LOVE it
I really think you should try a Legere signature series. I play those on my Bb clarinet and they are wonderful. I haven't heard very good things about their cheaper models, but I haven't had any trouble out of any signature. I bought one and played it for months and got tired of it, I gave it to someone else and they've been using it for a few months, it still plays wonderfully! Also Gonzales reeds work wonders for me. I use the For Our Friends and a lot of professionals really like them. If you had bad results maybe you should try them again. But I've also never been very impressed with Vandoren reeds, even with a Vandoren mouthpiece and Optimum ligature. I don't like having to do so much work on reeds to get a decent result out of them. I guess that's why I like Legere- no work on them. If I do have to work on a Gonzales, it is very minimal. Out of a box of 10 I could play all 10 right out of the box.
I've tried a signature series baritone saxophone reed, they performed brilliantly and had great tone. However, I picked up a studio cut legere reed (probably an older reed), and it had a thin sound; not to mention the insane resistance which is just something to be aware of. So I think the signature cut series is worth the extra few dollars, in general it has a more warm and full sound.
LaVoz reeds are Rico reeds... same product. Always was. A guy did his thesis on Rico history... went to the factory, met all the owners. It is documented.
I'd be interested in seeing you do a comparison of the standard Legere and the Legere signature. All sources seem to say that the "signature" ones are worlds better.
Send me one. If be happy to try it. :)
Tell me where you get a legere signature. I'm dieing to buy one. Hoping to pick one up at clarinet fest 2014 from someone.
Jim Benson I've been using 2 3/4 strenght Legere Signature Tenor Sax reeds for a while and now testing Forestone Black Bamboo Mediums which feel pretty similar in strenght but Black Bamboos definately have much better projection and feel very close to a regular reed.
Bass clarinet legere signature reeds are available on amazon now up to 3 strength. Earspasm Music
The best synthetic reed option for now on the Bass is the Légère Signature Tenor Sax reed. They will never be as good as a good cane reed, but with the right setup, a synthetic reed can save you a whole lot of hassle, especially if you are outside or have to leave the horn sitting for an hour and pick it up cold.
I'm a Alto Sax player, and used to play some Vandoren cane reeds. Due to playing in church, and having quite a bit of time between when we play, I switched to a Legere reed with my S80-C*. At first I didn't notice a difference. It could have been because I had only been playing sax for a few months before playing at church. Recently I decided to try the Vandoren's that have been sitting in a drawer. I'm with you, I love the sound so much better out of the cane reeds than the synthetic. However, I will continue to play the synthetic reed at church because I don't have to babysit it and keep it wet.
You forgot the Rico royal, the best of the standard Rico reeds
I'm a beginner and I use these too. Light blue box.
rico royal are good reeds.
Wouldn’t it be more beneficial to describe how to work on the reeds to get the playability you desire? You mentioned a Marca felt different in various dynamics, but then said Vandoren were workable. Compare the hearts and weights of each side of the reeds and make some comparisons of how to work them to playable? Show us the before, the process, and result of working the reeds to your standards.
With my instrument(A selmer Bass Clarinet) I use 3 1/2 Vandoren or Rico reeds. With the Rico's I get a consistent quality in reeds and play-ability, but they don't perform as nicely as my Vandoren reeds, which produce such a beautiful rich sound when I get a nice reed.
literally every time i watch this video, i geek out at the woody part. it's the small things in life that matter.
I was cracking up so hard at some of your reactions and comments
Personally, I use Vandoran. I'm only a second year player - But I prefer them. I soak them in water for 2 minutes, play them, and spray them with cleaner. I get a great sound from them, for the most part. I have to break them in a little bit before I can get to the highest few notes, though. (Mind you, I only play clarinet, not bass)
Why do we need reed flavouring. I play clarinet by the way.
Sheorajek1 its definitely manageable, nothing bad
Grant Phares me too
Sheorajek1 they taste fine to me.
the taste kind of like pasta
guy? Huh rly, I say chicken xD
I laughed a little too hard when the Flavoreeds came were brought out.
As a tenor sax and bari sax player, the Fibracells actually worked far better on a wider variety of mouthpieces and I was able to play top to bottom quite well. Tasted weirdly sour though, but it went away.
Hi Michael, have you tried the Vandoren V21 Sky Blue Box reeds?
I actually started tenor sax using my bass clarinet reeds xD right now I'm using fibracell on my tenor sax and a selmer s80 c* mouthpiece, I noticed for me personally, that the responsive, tone, loudness, all just as good as my Vandoren reeds.
Ok, so I play the Baritone sax but I have a question. If I use a synthetic reed will I have a chance of squeaking.
I have tried a legere signature cut baritone saxophone reed, and I didn't have trouble playing it really at all, it was very similar to cane. However, my friend said it didn't have the same exact bite, but I still had a decent kick out of it. Point is, it didn't squeak for me. Not sure about altissimo squeaking however, I'm an alto player and i found it difficult for me to get them out on both cane and synthetic.
Ameilia Favata You always have a chance of skweaking
Anyone can squeak, it's equal opportunity.
If you squeak try pulling the mouthpiece out of your mouth just a fraction, push it in a fraction for deeper notes
Great Review! I play Soprano and Bass Clarinet and I love the Vandoren V12's too. I like the B45 mouthpiece the best, but I also have the Masters 5 and M13 lyre. Synthetic reeds are too uncontrollable for me too.
I use tenor reeds on my bass clarinet and bass clarinet reeds on my tenor lol.
I play orchestral saxophone and I use the bass clarinet grand concert series 4.5s on my tenor.
Then I use vandoren V16 on my bass clarinet. Red javas also do well on my bcl setup.
I'm a student and have been using Fibracell reeds for the past 3 1/2 years or so, but I do find they are horrible when I first get new ones and it generally takes at least a week or so to sound decent, but they work well after some love, although they don't seem ideal for high notes. It's really interesting to see how different reeds can be based on the instrument and the person and other factors as well.
I usually play Bass Clarinet in concert band, but for the marching band, I needed to play soprano. At the request of my director, I tried a V12 and loved it. I just ordered a box of V21's though.
I switched from V12 to V21. They work better on more open mouthpieces and the V12 works better on more close mouthpieces.
Unfortunately, school budgets don't allow for better reeds than the Rico. In addition, few families will spend the money unless their child is taking private lessons. What do you recommend?
I remember using Rico and later Rico Royal reeds as a child... they tasted like paper and were ok for elementary school band.
PS ! I did shave my reed a little bit with sand paper like 3/4 swipes I normally just play on a 3 maybe I shaved it too much and. I close is it off when I play
Excellent video!
I played la voz reeds on my bari sax last year for jr high on a yamaha 5c mouthpiece andnit played alright
I really enjoyed this video. Thanks!
You sound great on any reed (well, except for the Fibercell). Did Mitchell Lurie ever make a bass clarinet reed ? I don't remember. Roy J Mier ? Carl Fischer? Symetricut ? Glotin ? Selmer Omega?
I actually love the La Voz reeds for my alto clarinet, but not for the bass - like you said, combination of all the parts makes a huge difference. I haven't found the V12s all that inconsistent, but I may have just gotten a good box. Then again, I'm not playing enough to wear my reeds out for a *long* time. That's how you save a good reed - play less :D
I started on a vadorin 2 1/2 tenor reed on my Selmer bass clarinet.
You're an amazing and funny teacher.
It's easier to learn when it's funny.
I thought higher reeds numbers meant thicker and stiffer. No wonder a Vandoren 2 1/2 is hard to play for me (beginner)
Which Vandoren number and series is the easiest to breath through? (Longevity 30mins-1hrs)
I've found that soaking reeds in urine makes them easier to throw away,
So when he said "speechless" about the Fibercell, did he mean that in a good or a bad way?
Interesting video thanks. I recently tried a Fibracell on my Bb clarinet and was disappointed with the thin sound compared to my usual blue box Vandoren reeds that i've been using for the past 25 years or so. I did however like the fact that i could play a very top F pianissimo and with no effort at all!
Love your reaction after tasting the bubble gum flavour XD
hi! have you try the Gonzalez reed? if yes whats your opinion?
Peter Leuthner Reeds are freaking amazing they always sound good i play on french cut and they never sound bad nor have i ever played on one that sounded bad every single one sounds good
what kind of neck is that? I like Rico (now Daddario) Reserves. They work on Tenor Sax too
I recommend Rico for all saxophone and clarinet players because they all are great for beginners and they also have advanced reeds as well.
Could you please make a video about the placement of the reed on the mouthpiece, and the placement of the ligature on it as well? I am never sure exactly how high or low to place them.
Vandoren is simply the best. I've tried over 20 different brand/types of reeds and some of them are very expensive handmade ones and others are handfinished with sandpaper and I always always go back to V12.
I also got the same result with Marca reeds. Very inconsistent and they just feel very wired and I did try their whole range for Bb clarinet.
it depends in the mouthpiece, again. but Vandoren reeds are truly Marvelous :D
+Jordan Miller Maybe but I've got them to work on many different mouthpieces by different makers,Vandoren,Grabner,Morgan,Bay,Lomax,Eaton(UK),Pillinger(UK)just to name some of the mouthpieces I own or have tried.
I play alto sax but I am still watching this because it is really interesting on how ths bass clarinet sounds and looks
What? At my local music store for bass clarinet, you get Rico or Purple box Vandoren. Maybe V21s if they have them for the 1 day every 3 months.
Oh, and FlavorReeds? I would get slapped so hard by my director I would see my ancestors lmao
8:47 through 10:01 he's trying to keep his sanity xD
I enjoyed much the upper register with Marca reeds...
Michael, try one of the Fiberreeds. I use them on my tenor sax. And, I find I can use those same reeds on my new BC. I prefer the original (white) in Medium-Soft or Medium hardness. I get no buzz from them on my tenor sax as opposed to any other synthetic reed I've tried. ON my BC, I find them easier to play than Legere. So, what thinkest thou?
I play alto clarinet, so I only have like 3 choices, so it aint a hard choice for me lmao
Please compare all the Vandoreen reeds. Specifically review the Black Diamonds.
I play on vandoren but cause I march I go through one every 2 weeks or even less I don't like them on Bb clarinet but they're good for my bass clarinet
Great Review! Have you tried Vandoren tenor sax red box Java? They are the only ones I use besides blue box when I need more pronounced articulation, and they work great for doubling bass clarinet in a big band!
Vandoren blue/purple box is always is always something to compare to, gotta be the home plate
When you "put a reed away" after "twenty minutes or so," ..........can you EVER re-use that Reed? In other words, once the Reed fails to respond the way you need it to, is it shot for life and should be thrown out, (or used to clean your teeth) or can it be used later on?
Flavoured reeds. The perfect way to prank your friends.
The only brand of reed I can get for an Eb Contra-alto Clarinet is Rico (hardness 3) and to be honest when I play big gaps it squeaks really bad.
awesome vid!! great insight
I use Vandoren Paris reeds for my Bb clarinet
If you need your reed to have a flavor, put a small amount of mouthwash in some water and soak the Reed after you play, to sanitize it. Next time you play, it will be minty.
I disagree with your comments on synthetic reeds (although admittedly I've played many for a while now because I got sick of the inconsistencies in Vamdorren). I can play both very quietly and very loudly on my Legiere, which is admittedly the only brand of synthetics I enjoy playing on, and I enjoy quite a nice response from them. I find the synthetics take a lot of getting used to and require an adjustment period as well as a slightly different setup on the mouthpiece from cane, and also that the smaller reeds are a bit tricky... I play synthetic on everything larger than my Bb but on my Eb or when I'm playing C need a cane reed as I lose tonal characteristics on the Legiere.
You’re reaction was soo funny for some of them too btw
I got a purple strength 3 box of Vandoren reeds for five reeds......i got one good read........and i cant even play high notes very well on it. Its very fuzzy but plays lower notes better if you play with more air. One of the reeds dont make any sound!
Have you tried Rigotti reeds? I am very happy with them for Bb-clarinet, very consistent and durable. I have just ordered some strenghts for the bass, will be interesting to try them. BD5 mouthpiece.
i kind o like the idea of playing with the synthetic reeds -- just dont dig the fuss (especially since i am brand new, and rather aged). anyway, the bass clarinet sounds good and reminds me of the whimsical feeling evoked by pieces in the nutcracker suite.
Interesting, tho to me, as an undisciplined beginner they pretty much sound the same (except for the weird ones at the end-flavoured reeds, really?). But having said that you play a bass, mine is a budget soprano. Oh one thing from watching your videos. You make me want a bass!
Your videos are brilliant!!! Thank you!!!
I've been thinking about getting a plastic Reed but if they're don't play loud very well there is no way I can march with it you already can't hear me XD bass clarinet struggles
Legere reeds would be great for marching band. Btw I have never used them do idk I’m just guess
I'm confused about the difference between traditional vandoren and v12. The reed charts that I see sometimes has v12s softer than traditional, but you say otherwise. I could be reading the chart wrong but I usually have been going for a higher strength when I order v12 vs. traditional.
Oh If you only played saxophone - how fabulous would that be. Seriously though, another very interesting & wonderful video - thanks.
A lot of this applies to the saxophones too.
Can you tell me if there is any difference in the diaphramatic power required to play clarinet versus that of soprano saxophone?
Could you do a video on tongueing legato and having a lighter tongue, because when I played soprano several years ago, I could could tongue very lightly, but I feel that I tongue very heavy with bass clarinet and it is starting to affect my speed control.
I have only used LaVoz tenor sax reeds for the last 50 years. The last box was just that, my last box. What a waste!
honestly it's really sad but I can barely ever get reeds because I don't have the money and I have like 1 that works right now and ILMEA is coming up and I AM SO STRESSED OUT
but for an actual question, I don't know if you've mentioned this before, but do you prefer a wooden bass clarinet or that weird synthetic material they're using? The one I use is the school's instrument and is wooden; I haven't had experience with one that isn't, but I know some people like them and some people don't.
No Gonzalez reeds? Didn't Harry Sparnaay use to use those?
Couldn't get my hands on them in time. But I have tried them before and they were not impressive. Not sure if Harry plays/played those, but when we were working together he was on Vandoren.
Did you make that video on how to break in the reeds? You mentioned it in the title of both of the videos but I don't remember you saying exactly how to work on them.
+Euan Zhang put them in water for a minute or 2. Then play them for 5-10 minutes. do that every day or couple of days. Do it for a bit untill they are broke in
hi there, have you tried the legere signature, these come highly recommended recently and we are tempted to purchase, thanks
That reed comparison chart that was briefly shown - is it available for download anywhere?
hi, I've been able to find it just googling it when I need it, try clarinet reed chart or something similar to search hope this helps
Can you make same video for Bb clarinet?
I LOVE the vandoren v•12’s
I play soprano, alto, and contrabass clarinet I find that van Doren reeds work best
I use vandoren reeds size 3 for marching band
Is there a part 3?
the lavoz is Nice reeds like you said it is RICO reeds La Voz is made by Rico and is a rico brand, i dont understand why it is branded as La Voz the brand is RICO and the model or type is La Voz
So I'm a high school bass clarinet player and the only one in my whole band. That being said, I don't have much information about the best option for a mouthpiece. I was wondering if you've ever used a Vandoren B44. I'm attempting to decide between the B44 and B50. Thanks for your help
livezinthemoment Try both -- you can always send one back, provided it isn't scratched or damaged in any way (including scratched by your teeth. so use a piece of tape or a mouthpiece patch during your trial)
How long do the plastic reeds last
Dat Moo my opinion I think they can last for a long time.