It is very free blowing, but mabye because its a little soft to my liking. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Legere Clarinet Reeds (BBES3.25) at Amazon.com. £118. Add to Basket. Since they are releasing a tenor reed and not an alto reed (yet?) “Question then, is the cane reed what you consider a good one?” This is an excellent question and one that I didn’t really address in the review. It really surprised me. £15.30. I think it is hard to talk about ‘better’ or ‘worse’ it’s just which characteristic one prefers. Yes, I play Jazz and R&R a lot, but I also play classical music in regular basis. After being fitted to the best size for me and my set-up (Otto Link 7*), I was amazed at the response from top to bottom of the horn, including altissimo. It is very free blowing, but mabye because its a little soft to my liking. This need not in itself be important because it might have been a less than optimal cane reed. If not for persofmances, i would really reccomend this teachers. I also guess wrong on the blindfold test! I just played a on a number of Legere reeds for Tenor (3.5), Soprano(2.75 and 3.5), and Alto(1.75...yuck) and my conclusion, which is strictly personal, is that they do not play well with jazz setups. I do very little classical playing…mostly jazz standards playing with trios, quartets and big bands. 78 Posts . This is indeed what I ended up doing. Leave me a Comment- Would You Buy One? I have always used tenor reeds on my bass clarinet mouthpiece. However, due to the bold and slightly edgy tone I get, I’m not sure I would use this reed for classical playing but then again classical saxophone doesn’t pay the bills… at least not for me. Saxophone – Reed Strength Comparison Chart. More Buying Choices $125.00 (10 new offers) Legere American Cut 2.50 Alto Saxophone Reed (ASA2.50) 5.0 out of 5 stars 3. I find them to be consistent, and they last long time. Still, perhaps it will push me to further refine my tonguing. Disclaimer: As with all Clarineat reviews, this product was provided by Légère for review purposes. Here’s my exhaustive list of what I find to be different between the Légères and my cane reeds: I would tend to choose the Légère over cane reeds in doubling situations and in my teaching studio, where the advantages of stability and non-warpage are clear. I mention response first because I think it’s the most important aspect of how a reed plays, but of course the question on everyone’s mind is tone. Légère European Signature – From $42.49. 5 . In this test, the [edited] produced the more rich, complex, and desirable tone. And it’s a delight knowing that one can put on a Legere, and being confident that it will work, regardless of the circumstances. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Other Legere Bb Clarinet European Signature 4.0 Reed (Other) at Amazon.com. Liked the expensive one more. No water required, just add air. Everything I can do on a cane reed, I can also play on a Legere signature reed. From that playing sample, I would have to go the the Legere. Everyone should. Some people may hate buzziness of Fibracell, but you can use more lip or use thicker strength to avoid excessive buzzing. Now playing Ridenour instruments (an improvement, I think …) and decided to exclude cane reeds from my life if possible. From the first note, the reed speaks with total ease while giving players just the right amount of edge. Nicer sound and better articulation. I find this minor thing to be vaguely pleasant. Legere Soprano Sax 2.5 . Say what you want, they play just as consistently as a Legere, they’re completed adjustable, they last 6 months of constant playing, and they’re cheap. I am pleased to report that the Signature Series are highly playable reeds. The plastic, at least in my studio in January, feels just slightly cool against my lip. I agree with duckmaster. Please give us the reason for your assessment in the following text box and – if possible – your e-mail address for further questions. I was wearing out a cane at least once per week. Clarinet and soprano, I just suck it up and deal with a few wrinkles here and there like everyone else. Report rating… Do you believe this rating to be inaccurate or unacceptable for some reason? For me, there is a slightly different balance in the overtones with the Legere reed. JavaScript is disabled. $31.00 $ 31. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. But alas, I feel even better about playing it. The musician here says that he could get a slight edge with a well adjusted cane reed. Like upbeat life in them. Legere Reeds Signature Baritone Saxophone Reed Strength 2.5. FREE Shipping. Clarinet – Reed Strength Comparison Chart . Légère clarinet reeds provide instant response, are highly durable and consistent every time. Hi Guys! I have only recently discovered the Legere reeds, and they seem easier to play with in that they seem to have a consistent even sound, unlike the cane, which can vary according to whether it is dry or wet, or whether it is evenly spaced to produce a good sound overall. Standard Delivery Times. Not sure which is “better” sounding.. a matter of taste, but I certainly notice it quite clearly – although without such a close “side by side” comparison where I can replay a certain section, it would probably be much harder to tell. I have been playing Legere Signature on clarinet for nearly two years. I did choose the correct sample based on tone difference. As I mentioned, finding the right reed for you will break the bank. Report. I think I'm in love with a reed. Do You Have One? It is effortlessly free-blowing, colorful, and loaded with personality. Introducing the new Legere oboe reed. I just got my Legere 2.75 alto sax reed in today, my first synthetic reed. Reeds are available in the Signature, Classic and European cuts in a variety of strengths. At around 00:18 the cane reed produces a bit more of a vibration whereas the legere produces a more “stable / smoother” sound, with less “vibration”. $38.99 $ 38. FREE Shipping. The first several hours on a new reed sound and feel awkward, and the moment it get soft, it’s unplayable. Legere Bassoon Reeds (DRBM) 4.3 out of 5 stars 38. A few months ago, I posted about plastic reeds, and reported some of what I had read on another woodwind blog about the Légère Signature Series and Forestone clarinet reeds. So did I, especially on the slurred interval leaps. For the middle reeds, I soak them 24 hours a day. Life is beautiful with Legere! PRODUCTS; STRENGTH CHARTS; SOUND CHALLENGE; BETA TESTI Music is about creation, not preparation! And how about value. (and I guessed right—I’ve been playing legere tenor reeds). At this point, I think I can find and adjust a cane reed that will outplay the Légère by a small (very small) margin. Thanks for your comment. 8 . £17.80. But in a pinch I would gratefully fall back on the Légère, and I think no one would be the wiser. £15.30. All Thoughts are My Own! Welcome to My Thoughts on the Legere Synthetic Bassoon Reed. Only he can know what his ideal sound is. Available immediately. If you don’t know which hardness us right for you, you can easily spend $100 for a few useless pieces of plastic that will just sit in your case. is better. Sold and/or gave away Buffets and everything. The comprehensive strength charts below compare popular cane strengths to the matching Légère reed strength and cut. Tried a test with my sax ($700 new) versus a $5000 sax. Next › 6 advantages of adult students. European Cut for Clarinet. I’ve been playing saxophone for over 30 years and have been searching for the “Perfect reed” for a majority of that time. However, while I prefer a really good cane reed, the reality is that the Legere outshines the average cane reed. The European Cut for Clarinet is our most flexible reed. £96. Legere Baritone Saxophone 3.0. Let’s discuss the drawbacks. The American Cut represents the next generation of Légère saxophone reeds. It plays awesome right off the bat no soaking. I actually thought the Legere sounded noticeably better than the cane reed. Saxophone, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and world and electronic woodwinds. I guess its just a personal taste. In fact, they respond nearly identically to my current cane reeds of choice (a popular, leading brand). Légère is proud to offer a Exchange of Strength program if you are not satisfied with your purchased saxophone or clarinet reed. I just got my Legere 2.75 alto sax reed in today, my first synthetic reed. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Mouthpieces the same. The price one one reed is the same as a box of cane reeds but I’ve never had one Legere outlast a box of cane. The cane reed was the best that I had at the time in a pretty average batch of broken-in reeds. For me personally, that makes me happy because if I could really hear a better sound with the cane, I don’t know if I could keep playing my signature. I assume that the saxophone Signature Series is geared more toward jazz players. I normally use 3 for Jazz, but when I need focused sound, I use 4. Episode 15 – Tim Elvy of Légère Reeds. Being a Signature player I was a bit afraid that this is the cane reed so the answer was a relief! I thought that clip [# – edited!] I have edited it so as not to give away the answer. Come join the discussion about collections, care, displays, models, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Quit old job for new 40 hour/week job. I figured I might as well offer my own blindfold test, so you can gauge whether the difference is audible with a clarinetist rather less accomplished than the esteemed Mr. Hawkins. I’ve tried to do the same with Harry Hartman reeds, and they won’t even respond to my emails. Légère Reeds online store is currently available in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Available immediately. I feel that this experience is what keeps most skeptics away. Reply. However, I believe I have found the “perfect reed” for me. The [# – edited!] I use Fibracell, which happens to be synthetic. Although a newcomer for Steve, some say this reed’s strength and stamina are far superior. Since the reeds I received are of different strengths, I don’t think I can comment conclusively on consistency from reed to reed, but they strike me as having identical playing characteristics other than a predictable difference in resistance between the strengths (which isn’t always the case with cane reeds). I tried the Legere reed (studio cut) a few years ago and couldn’t find a size,tone or response that I was satisfied with. I have a question for anyone playing bass clarinet, which is better; Legere Bass clarinet reed or Tennor Sax Signature reed? I have been using a Legere reed on bass clarinet and was so impressed I bought a reed for soprano clarinet. And all those wrongly sized reeds in my case? To me the Legere reeds sound good, they sound natural, and they don’t sound synthetic. A different facing may require the other of the two. This item is in stock and can be dispatched immediately. Either cut shows a delightful tone, sensitivity and good intonation. I have not yet tried the Legere but I probably soon will. I have yet to find a distributor that will allow me to try them before purchasing. (Phew!). I was very impressed. After listening to :20 of sample A, I then played sample B. I was absolutely sure that Sample A was [edited] within ten sections, the difference to me was not even subtle. Reed for Oboe European cut. 15 . I didn’t guess at all but more importantly to me, the quality of the tone in clip [# – edited!] As for Legere, I hated it. It gets abused on my practice clarinet by being left on the mouthpiece and put away wet etc. 9 . I’ve dug some left-over V12s out of my archives (some still in flow packs) and just can’t use cane reeds again! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. And with a smile. The cane, in my opinion, actually had better tone, projection, and smoothness. It plays beautifully, but I am wondering if the Legere might be slightly wider and/or a better fit with my mouthpiece. The downside is that it is slightly less flexible (pitchwise, not enough to be a problem) and has a little more tendency to chirp/click on fast note transitions…I’m told that nobody but me hears this…, Your email address will not be published. cut does seem woody and natural. I kept snagging my reed on things so I am a bit careless. I continue to use my cane reed of choice on my R13 Prestige. 18 . Strength Matters. As a pro player I found them too bright, or too edgy, or not durable enough. http://bretpimentel.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/legere-a.mp3, http://bretpimentel.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/legere-b.mp3, Signature Series reed for tenor saxophone, Review: Rico Reserve clarinet mouthpieces, part II, Review: Rico Reserve clarinet mouthpieces, Trade in your old reeds for new Ricos, part II, Sharp, flat, and natural symbols on Android and iOS devices, Misconceptions about saxophone-to-clarinet doubling. At Légère Reeds we give woodwind artists the Freedom to Perform. This was a great review. This was quite clear in Sample B and I guessed correctly. Your email address will not be published. More and more saxophonists have made the switch to Légère due to the many common problems and inconsistencies they have faced while dealing with traditional cane reeds. Legere Oboe Reed Medium Soft. What happens to it on a really warm day? With the usual traffic of students and colleagues in and out of my studio, there have been a number of raised eyebrows at the sight of a plastic reed on my clarinet. How warm is too warm? On my alto I played on a Jody Jazz hard rubber and a Selmer C*. Thanks Don—I have edited your comment so that it doesn’t give away the answer. Let's take a look at the Legere Signature Series synthetic reed. I got a Legere 3 a few days ago (for my alto) and found it to be extremely hard. Beowulfmk, so you are saying legere have no life in them. My other complaint is that they do have a break-in cycle. I hope you don’t mind that I have edited your comment so as not to give away the answer. Discussion Starter • #1 • May 29, 2004. Legere Bb-Clarinet French 2.25. It’s very important that you get the right reed strength before determining whether these Legere Signature Reeds are a good fit for you. I use Legere and Hahn reeds on soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones, therefore feel I am fair in judging a product category of which I am familiar. Used regular cut Legere #3 with Vandoren M30-lyre and later #3.25 signatures. 32 thoughts on “ Review and blindfold test: Légère Signature Series clarinet reeds ” Ron Pimentel says: January 22, 2010 at 12:02 pm. 209 talking about this. You just email, send the reed you don’t like back and they send out a new one of a different strength at no charge. In listening to my own comparisons, I have noticed that note-to-note transitions are quicker on the Legere than on cane (I used to use Vandoren V-12). Legere 2.5 felt like Vandoren 3.5, and it had a dead sound. I thought I would give the Legere reeds another try since it was a different model than the previous Legere reed which I didn’t especially care for. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Review and blindfold test: Légère Signature Series clarinet reeds. The Legere really came close, though. We can only know what our goals are, and any two artists have different desires. The cane reed that I chose felt/sounded better to me than the Légère, but only by a very small margin, and I do still believe that no one but me would have detected the difference. 99. The Legere reeds seem to give a good sound first time with hardly any additonal effort, which is relative to the cane reeds. I would. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. I have yet to find a distributor that will allow me to try them before purchasing. I understand that Légère is in the process of releasing a Signature Series reed for tenor saxophone, which I am anxious to try as well. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 16. As I mentioned in the original post, I thought it was likely that I could find/adjust a better cane reed for my recital, and keep the Légère on hand as a backup. Either may be better. The Jody Jazz sounded horrible, but the C* had an ok classical sound (again, I was playing on a 1.75 strenght, which was the only one I had access to). For me the consistency and peace of mind that the Legere offers would be more than enough to go with the synthetic choice. I heard some lovely recordings of oboists playing on the reed a few days ago and was impressed that someone finally made a good sounding oboe reed from synthetic materials. I guessed wrong on the blindfold test too as so many others did….. I’m shocked too! I guessed wrong on the blindfold test. A forum community dedicated to saxophone players and enthusiasts bought to you by Harri Rautiainen. I guessed it right (might be a lucky guess). But that changed when I discovered the Signature range, which are usable and sound great too. It really surprised me. * They asked about my current cane reed preference, and sent three reeds in different strengths close to what I currently use. I just went to Legere’s web site and tried their comparison test challenge and I guessed it wrong :(. It is free-blowing, colorful, and loaded with personality. I have a Genusa “Exellente” GE (star) Z – which has greatly eased my problems with upper register issues. I am surprised by the several who picked wrong. Reinvented Profile. I was … Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. 76 talking about this. I bought two legere for my tenor sax, I play for 1 to 3 hours depending on the day. I'm quite surprised that you find this reed soft. I considered looking for a really excellent one for the side-by-side comparison, but it seemed to be a better real-world test if I used what I had immediately at hand. For the hearing test i couldn’t really tell much of a difference. On a related note: From the first note, the reed speaks with total ease while giving players just the right amount of tonal edge. Recently, at the TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association) convention in San Antonio, TX, Legere had a booth present with an artist performing on tenor sax using the Signature series reeds. Let’s face it, the wrong Legere reed feels and sounds awful. I think these are worth keeping on hand for just such an eventuality, even if you’re not convinced that they’re right for normal performance situations. Reeds need to ‘mate’ with the mouthpiece facing. Abandoned playing for over one year because of 100 hour/week job. Some say it’s average life expectancy could perhaps surpass hundreds of cane reeds. 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Won ’ t mind that i might actually hear back about this $ 700 new ) versus $..., there seems to be vaguely pleasant am wondering if the Legere sounded noticeably better than the cane reed them... For soprano clarinet can pick up an instrument and play without worrying that the Legere was B... ) and found it to be inaccurate or unacceptable for some reason 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V,. But one is still playable what you consider a good one mate ’ with the synthetic choice be more enough! Cut for clarinet is our most flexible reed consistent, and any two artists have different desires they long. However, while i prefer a really warm day be extremely hard a Exchange of strength program if you saying., classifieds, and sent three reeds in what i believe to a... Reeds provide instant response, are highly playable reeds haven ’ t hesitate to them... With hardly any additonal effort, which is relative to the cane reed although a newcomer for Steve some... 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