Reeds reed comparisons.

[Linky Lee]

Ok, I got a few of some of every reed I could lay my hands on and gave them all a thorough go today with various bits of equipment etc.

I was looking at:

Strength.
Tone.
Clarity.
Range.
Low note accessibility.
High note accessibility.

I played each reed from new condition under the same circumstances. Those being.

Hanson sax, S80 C* BG standard lig.
and the second run I used
Hanson sax, Otto Link STM 6 (metal), rovner light lig.

I played them through on the S80 first, then in the same order on the Otto Link.

The results are as follows.

S80.
La Voz M- Mildly breathy tone, medium strength of response
, and an average acceptable tone, nothing to great though. Generally consistent.









So my favorite with the S80 was the RJS 2M. Lovely sound suitable for classical or jazz, and had a really good feel when playing it.

Then for the Otto Link.

(everything got a bit jazzier and hotter here!)








F. Hemke 3- very breathy, hard blow. Warm smooth sound. Edge when played loud.

Obviously none of this applies to anyone else 😛
But it should give you some idea as to what reeds have what kind of tendencies in general.

I'm incredibly impressed with the Rico Jazz Select reeds, they are absolutely superb and really open up when you ask them too. Fantastic flexible reed for expressive playing IMO

Going to go buy a box of 10 now. Though I recommend using the 2H live and rehersal/practise on 2M as you can get away with that extra bit of top end punch, and the reed doesn't break up as soon as the 2M does when it hits it's volume limit. And we all play louder when we get excited in performances. The heavier articulation will cut your sound through the mix a wee better as well!

 

[Pete Thomas]

Well done, could be very useful to people, obviously quite a bit of subjectivity but a good starting point. Of couse a truly scientific test for this stuff is impossible anyway so its good to see such a good personal review.

I'd be interested to see how my current favourite reeds comapre (Rico Plasticover and Alexander Superial)

 

[griff136]

Just to throw another type into the hat

How about Fibracell reeds

I love em - second only to my last box of (new) old rico symmetricut reeds.

 

[Linky Lee]

Ok, well If you could write a review I could include it in the first post.

It's not really possible for me to fund buying a few Fibracell reeds and some Alexanders etc.

Hopefully this should get to be pretty comprehensive and help some people out in making some choices of reeds to try out/ start on etc.

 

[lee_]

The Fibracells are worth a try if you're having any problem finding satisfactory reeds, IMO. I've been using them on tenor and alto for a couple years. They are totally predictable, don't tire out on a gig, and generally last way, way longer than normal reeds. Don't require any breakin or adjustment.

I'm playing a dance tonight with two reeds that I put on at about mid summer, IIRC.

I do think they give up a little bit in the tone department, compared to a good cane reed in full working order. But how often do you have a cane reed in full working order, and for how long?

 

[Linky Lee]

I don't really have any problems with consistency of cane reeds.
In a box of 10 I'll be happy with 9.

I don't think I'd enjoy playing on a plastic or synthetic reed either. Doesn't seem quite right to me.
It's like all these fancy ligatures with little plates and special mechanisms etc. It seems to me the less material there is on a ligature, the more effective it should be as it's designed to hold the reed but let it vibrate as freely as possible.

 

[mfox]

you never mentioned alexander superials either..

good review.. mirrors what i learned over ther years just about.. but i think the superials are slightly better than the jazz select in some cases

 

[Linky Lee]

I didn't do superials as I couldn't get any.

You're welcome to review them and I'll add them in.

I also didn't do V16, Javas and rico standards.

I've never tried a V16 so don't know what they're like and I loath the Java sound and feel so I couldn't bring myself to spend anymore time playing on some. I feel the Vandorean classics are far superior to the rico classics and aren't much more expensive so I didn't even bother with the Rico classics.

 

[Bobby G]

When I first started on alto I very quickly discarded Rico classics for the Vandoren classics, and ror a while I was very happy with them, I could get a nice round sound and they blew just fine for me when I was finding my way around.

Then I entered my experimental stage of trying out many different types of reed, in fact just about matching Linky Lee's selection, as well as a V16.

My opinions of the various reeds match Lee's almost exactly, the main difference being that I was more impressed with the La Voz. The V16 didn't impress me much, I found it too piercing, man.

I'm not too sure about practising on one strength and gigging on the next strength up, although I find a RJS 3S as easy as a 2H, but with the benefit of a bit extra in all depar ments - fuller tone, better lows and highs, a bit louder. What I might try now, as I am using the metal Brilhart, is going back to a 2H or even 2M, just to see what they are like.

On tenor, I've only compared RJS, Rico Royals, and Vandoren classics. I have a loud mpc, a Jumbo Java, not so that I can necessarily be loud all the time, more so that I have something in reserve (same applies to the alto Brilhart). I like the option of having the edge, or punch with the volume, but also like a rounder, softer tone which this mpc allows while still allowing the sound to cut through.

I like the edge on the RJS, the Vandorens don't go too well for the sound I want, overall I prefer the Rico Royals, which give me a nice full sound and enough edge when I want it with the Jumbo Java, and are easier to control than the RJS.

On sop I stick to a Yam 4c with Rico Royal 2.5 which do fine. I tried a Hemke which, although an easy blow and responsive had a dull, lifeless sound which was not very appealing. The only other reed I tried was a Plasticover, which impressed me quite a lot, with a nice full sound, and a bit of edge without taking me into snake-charmer territory.

I haven't tried the Alexanders at all; I believe they are a very good quality and consistent reed, but I am fairly gentle with my reeds, and flexible enough that a good 8 or 9 will do me straight out of the box that I don't feel the need to spend the extra cash on a box of Alex's when I am happy with a cheaper option which serves me very well.

If I was a pro or even semi-pro, I'd no doubt spend more time and money than I do now on the chance of finding something I'd like more.

Cheers, Bob

 

[Linky Lee]

Funnily enough though I said I detest javas I'm actually using them solely on my tenor! I just remembered.

The mouthpiece is dull and lifeless and the javas give it a bit of life.
If I had a nicer mouthpiece (anything really, a yamaha standard would be better!) then I'm sure I would move on to something with a more complimentary sound and less 'bang for the buck' which the javas have way too much of for my tastes.

 

[tris]

Alexander Superials are the best reeds I have encountered. They may be expensive but in terms of good and usable reeds they are as good value for money and they last for ages.

This maybe of intrest to people.... I have given it a try with great results!

http://www.shwoodwind.co.uk/Notes/cryoreeds.htm

 

[mfox]

i was beggining to think i was the only person to think these reed were the best..


the artical was one of the most interesting things i've read in ages...
reeds in the freezer as i type.

 

[stephen_howard]

Is it April the 1st already??

I really should get round to putting that flashing "Joke" gif on that article!
You do realise that the entire article is a complete fabrication?

Mind you, if it works - I invented it!

Regards,

 

[old_git]

Howard,
I'm an old age pensioner who invested in a cryogenic freezer and have been paying hefty electricity bills ever since suffering from the evil influence of your article. I have deprived myself of many little luxuries such as food and clothes to maintain that industrial unit. How can I confess to my doctor that the reason for my frost bitten lips was your perverted sense of humour?
Sir, if I was younger, I would challenge you to a duel.

 

[TomMapfumo]

Well done, Linky - good review. For years I have played RJS's (2H & 2M on Alto, and 2M on Tenor) and thought that they were the best, so agree there with your subjective findings. I have since moved to Francois Louis Excellence reeds (2.5 on Alto, 2 on Tenor) and don't imagine going back (Also like Superial DC's and Marca Jazz [my soprano choice], both of which I would subjectively rate as having an edge over the RJS's).

Never really liked Vandorens, (have played them all - find V16's preferable) and unsure about La Voz.

Useful comments, and good luck finding a mouthpiece.
Kind regards
Tom 8)

 

[stephen_howard]

old git wrote:
Howard,
I'm an old age pensioner who invested in a cryogenic freezer and have been paying hefty electricity bills ever since suffering from the evil influence of your article. I have deprived myself of many little luxuries such as food and clothes to maintain that industrial unit. How can I confess to my doctor that the reason for my frost bitten lips was your perverted sense of humour?
Sir, if I was younger, I would challenge you to a duel.

Sir,

I have consulted with my solicitor, Mr. Luigi Vercotti, and I am assured that the opening paragraphs of the article in question clearly state that a ruse was afoot and that further derring-do was to be expected should the reader acquiesce to enquire further and avail themselves of any entertainment loosely based on a pseudo-scientific hypotheses.
Actually what he said, and I quote verbatim, was "Blimey guv' ee's 'avin' a larf in'ee".

It is regretable that you have invested considerable sums of money in your endeavour to explore the possibility of the rejuvenation of vibrating wooden slats by cyrogenesis, and even more regretable that you have sustained hideous facial deformities as a result of such ill-advised experiments. However, I am assured by Mr.Vercotti that I can in no way be held responsible for any such imperilments, and that I must refer you to the aforementioned premable, hereinafter and forthwith referred to as the 'numpty clause'.
Again, those are not quite Mr.Vercotti's exact words - and I have opted to leave out the reference to Spiny Norman and 'sending the nuns round'.

That said, I feel honour bound to take up your challenge to a duel and will have my seconds contact yours to arrange a time and a place where such honour may be satified.
As the challenged, and under the 1777 'Code Duello', I shall take up the option of naming the weapons.
I declare that they shall be Opheclides.

I should like, at this stage, to point out that there is a long tradition of duelling in my family, and that I reserve the right to wear the ceremonial duelling attire of the family - which is, and always has been, a Chieftan tank.
I warn you sir that no member of my family has ever lost a duel whilst clothed in this attire - but as a mark of my respect for your advancing years I will graciously allow you the first shot.

I would throw a gauntlet to the ground, but I can't find one to hand - so I have thrown an oven glove on the table instead.

En garde!

 

[peedee]

I never fell for it, put reeds in the freezer indeed! The thought never crossed my mind, honest! :erm: >.<

 

[old_git]

Mr. Howard, Sirrah,

Following consultations with my and Private Eye's favourite solicitors Messrs Sue, Grabbitt and Runne regarding your scurrilous reply denying any responsibility for your writings and advice from a Silk, many discrepancies are evident in your protestations.

Your reference to "rejuvenation of vibrating wooden slats" is entirely fallacious as only Fibracell reeds were used.

I am also given to understand that Signor Luigi Vercotti is not recognised by The Law Society, having been struck off following certain associations with both British and Italian Government figures and organised crime organisations, including the notorious composer Joe Green.

Your choice of weapons is acceptable but you must be aware that my personal Opheclide is being prepared by an ex Royal Marine Woodwind and Brass Technician who is modifying it by replacing the leather wrapping with Kevlar and Carbon Composite to fire an armour piercing, white phosphorous, tactical nuclear round. Your kind offer of allowing me the first shot is appreciated and accepted.

In view of your financial status as a tradesman, it is only fair to warn you that my legal expenses, for which you will be liable, already exceed Sir Frederick Goodwin's Pension Fund and as such it would be appreciated if you would increase your Life Assurance and ensure that there are no overdue payments.

Kind regards

 

[Pete Thomas]

old git wrote:
Your reference to "rejuvenation of vibrating wooden slats" is entirely fallacious as only Fibracell reeds were used.

Even if they were cane reeds, it would be fallacious. Arudo Donax is a grass, not wood.

I would watch out Stephen, give Old Gits propensity for posting duplicates, his first round is likely to stutter as well.

 

[TonyMoroney]

Linky: PM me your address and I'll gladly bung a Superial in the mail to you for you to try, just let me know if you want Alto or Tenor??

They're my fave too right alongside the RJS Unfiled.

T.