Legere Synthetic Reeds vs Cane Saxophone Reeds
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- Опубліковано 10 гру 2018
- #bettersax #saxophone #reeds
Jay Metcalf reviews the differences between synthetic reeds and cane reeds for saxophone.
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🎷Answers:
Example A
➝Reed #1 - Vandoren Red Java 3
➝Reed #2 - Legere Signature 2.75
Example B
➝Reed #1 - Legere Signature 2.75
➝Reed #2 - Rico Select Jazz 3H
Example C
➝Reed #1 - Legere Signature 2.75
➝Reed #2 - Rico Select Jazz 3H
Example D
➝Reed #1 - Rico Select Jazz 3H
➝Reed #2 - Legere Signature 2.75
Example E
➝Reed #1 - Legere Signature 2.75
➝Reed #2 - Rico Select Jazz 3H
🎷 Notes on Legere Reed Strength 🎷
On alto I normally play RSJ 3M, according to the Legere Reed Strength chart, I should be playing on a Legere Signature 3.25 I have one of those as well and it it's way too resistant for me.
According to their chart, the 2.75 Legere Signature reed I played in the video is supposed to be the equivalent of a 2H or 3S Rico Select Jazz.
The Vandoren Java 3 filed I played on alto was slightly softer than the 2.75 Legere signature but according to their chart, it should be harder.
For me the Legere 2.75 is more like a Rico Select Jazz 3H and the 3 would be like a Rico Select Jazz 4S.
I also have a 3, 3.25 and 3.5 Legere all of which are too hard for me to play.
On tenor I found the same thing. The 2.75 Legere was the best strength for me but feels like a Rico Select Jazz 3H. The 3 Legere feels more like a Rico Select Jazz 4S and the stronger reeds are much too hard for my setup.
For all you in marching band. Synthetic reeds are honestly great for being outside. They dont chip as easy and you dont have to worry about soaking it after they dry up from not playing for 5 mins
Ditto. Every time I use a cane reed in marching band it seems to disintegrate after a day or two. I can march a synthetic for months, until it cracks
@@jackmoseley1628 or until a barri sax doesnt watch were theyre going and crack it the 2nd day you've had it.
Honestly that’s why I would play one, I’m playing bari for marching, and it’s always drying out, it’s sooooo aggravating
My cane reed dried in like 2 mins in the heat...
Ok thanks
I'm just kind of worried bc I think I might have to try some new reed strengths out on can reds and I think that would be a lot at once
I play lead trumpet. What the heck am I doing here
Do you puff your cheeks out like Louis Armstrong ?
@@sireugenecourtney5797 i think you mean Dizzy Gillespie
No, there are videos of Louis Armstrong puffing his cheeks out when playing. Not all the time, but occasionally.
OverAchiever 4 so do I
@@annarieck5804 You trumpet players are just jealous because you can't suck on a reed.
One of the things my son and I notice with the synthetic reeds is the amount of moisture that builds up while playing.
Ooh that wouldn't be good for me because apparently I spit an unusual amount into my instruments when I play
That’s not good. I’ll stick with Vandoren.
Marty Owens the amount of moisture seen on the legere reed is only more visible because the reed is almost see through, your vandoren reed doesn’t show it as easily but it’ll have the same moisture on it.
@@chrizze5062 I find it easier to suck the moisture out of the legere signature than my Rico Jazz select cane reed. Was skeptical of these reeds but I love them!
flashak agreed! Also easier to clean in general. I also used select jazz before legere. Was also skeptical about them but I have now been using them for almost 2 years. I dip my reeds in boiling water or very hot water to soften them if they’re too hard for me. I definitely feel like I have the sound I want but I am tempted to try out the Boston sax shop reeds because the hype it’s been getting recently.
Playing Baritone-Sax in an Orchestra i came to love the Legere.
I tried them first because cane-reeds were just too expensive in the long run when I was a student (the baritone being about 8€ per reed are ridiculous). What made me stay with the synthetic reeds is simple practicability. I don't have to wet them, the don't get deformed under the wrong humidity and over all they behave just the same in the beginning of an exercise all the way to the end.
When playing alto sax I switch between some different synthetic and cane ones depending on the needed style (I find it easier to play classical on cane and pop on synthetics like the fiberreed).
I just play baritone saxophone 🤣🤣
hold on hold on hold on hold on, a bari? In an Orchestra???
I would love to have a bari, and I think if I did I'd go the synthetic route too. It's always seemed to me that Arundo Donax does not typically grow to the proper diameter for bari reeds.
With my tenor, about a third to half of the reeds are really good, but with clarinet almost every reed in the box is good.
I switched to the Legere Signature so I could quickly demo for my band students without having to soak up a reed. I can put the reed on at the beginning of class and leave it right there without worry of it drying out. Easy to pick up and play. Sounds almost as good as the best cane reed after a lot of work and I don't have to dump a bunch of money, time, and effort to get the cane reeds to get to that point.
You leave the reed on after playing? So you don't swab out the mouthpiece after playing?
William Spencely He probably means he leaves it there during class and then cleans it later.
I don’t think synthetic reeds are as horrible as cane enthusiasts make them out to be, it really is an efficient reed cost wise and playing wise. If you just can’t to seem to get a good reed synthetic reeds are a great alternative. Since they also can last up to a year you hardly ever have to buy one. Personally I do prefer cane reeds, but synthetic reeds are perfectly fine as well. Personally I try to use synthetic reeds when I practice and use cane reeds in moderation so that I can use it in performances.
Synth reeds are cheaper in the long run to cane. A single Hartmann fiberreed cost $30. It'll last a very long time. I single box of cane reeds won't last as long.
I was skeptical in synthetic reeds, but I’m not going back to cane reeds after using them. One can last like 6 months or more while I kept chipping the cane reeds. The cane reeds also dry my lips out. However, it is the consistency they provide that is really why I like them. One cane reed can be like the holy grail (before it chips) and the next one can make you sound like a beginner, or at least make you put extra effort to sound decent.
I will say though that you do have to get used to them to get the best sound. Since they are totally smooth, your embouchure may not be the best when using it for the first time, unlike cane reeds which are more rough.
@@davidcox8961 I find my cane reeds last a very long time.
@@jonathonbahr7457 that's great man. What's a long time?
I prefer the cane because I like the taste honestly.
@TimeLapse 123 it tastes like bamboo
@TimeLapse 123 I've only ever bought reeds From my local music store. I've never seen them for sale anywhere else except music stores and online. It's a pretty specialty item. They're made from a kind of cane that only grows in France, and are a little bit pricey. If your Walmart has them, I would be surprised. If you're just starting out, try Rico Alto reeds. They're pretty affordable. And they come in different strengths. #2 or #2 1/2 are good choices. The number refers to the stiffness. Using a #1 will be the easiest to get a tone from, but I find it to be too soft.
Bro I also love the taste jaja I always suck them for no reason and my band director always got mad at me for that
Ussd to soak mine in Jamaican overproof rum. It makes your bottom lip tingle.
@TimeLapse 123 Yessir. Wray & Nephew Jamaican rum. Basically, the Jamaican version of everclear. To be fair, it's probably not the best for the reeds. I liked it though.
i play guitar been thinking of learning the Sax and this channel has been a huge help thank you.
Thanks for doing this! I chose the Legere reed every time while you were playing alto and the cane reed both times while you were playing tenor.
0/5 of my votes went towards the synthetic reeds. 😅😂 Oops. I don't even know how I managed that.
Same. I don't even play any reed instrument. But, I am an audio engineer so I'm sure that helps.
same
Same
Same
gotta love jay... teaches me every thing my half dozen professional teachers never taught me because they probably didnt know as much as Jay.. thanks good buddy
bobby G.
Your censoring did nothing, I have watched so many hentais that I can decode all forms of censoring.
a fellow man of culture i salute you XD
Culture or addiction?
@@E_Bagels I only watch for research purposes.
@@E_Bagels I work in the illustration medium so mostly reference
I watch for the plot.
Dude, blew me away with that little spin on In A SENTIMENTAL MOOD. Way to kill it! Would love to try out a Legere reed on my series 3! Keep it up, Love the channel @bettersax
Long story short. I started to learn Tenor when I was 18 (55 years ago). Having wanted to play for years, on my first lesson my lip became red, itchy and swollen. Disaster. Fortunately my teacher was a grader for PTD resin reeds (made near London) so switched to them. Success. HE really does work in mysterious ways!
Hi Jay, tried nearly all the synthetic reeds out there and have been using fiberreed hemp and also fiberreed carbon and they really work and feel great,
I double on guitar and tenor so works for me
Great advise as always. Thank you. I purchased a Hinoki Forestiere recently for Tenor . I have found it to be perfect from the first note. I get more power and projection with less effort. I'm Sold!
Thanks Jay you sound great on any horn you play
I got completely mixed results 😂 I wasn’t expecting that
To my surprise I picked Legere on 3 of 5. Used Legere exclusively for years but only on tenor with the metal Rovner.
I picked the cane reeds 5 for 5. There seems to be an edgy sound to the synthetic reed that I can pick out on the side by side test. I would not be able to fault the tone quality of the synthetic if I heard it without a comparison.
They were close enough that the advantages of the synthetic reed might be worth the shot.
I'm thinking about buying a Legere Signature reed. This video is very helpful. Thanks for your tine. Much appreciated!
Yep, I agree 100%. The comments you've made..... could have been me talking. The Legere's are fantastic for what they are, but they are in my 'spare/just in case' reed case too for both alto and tenor. I throw one on every so often at rehearsal or even a gig, differences are subtle. Bottom line, play what feels right & play what sounds right to you.
I play the Rico jazz select. Interestingly, I picked that reed every time on the blind test except for test A. I picked the legere. It really does just come down to preference. It's just what you're used to.
Thanks for this the 2.25 has proved to be the Holy Grail reed for my Meyer Ritchie Cole Alto piece . Lovely job ! Agree it’s a bit plastic feeling in the mouth but no mucking around and gives a nice edge .
Legere was a game changer for me when I tried them out at NAMM. It was extremely comfortable switching over and is really good for me since clarinet is no longer my main instrument. I agreed on the strength chart moment too. I actually had to go almost a full strength lower based off of one of the representatives. I played 3.5 Vandoren, but then had to go to 2.75
Forestone synthetic and Rico Plasticover are the ones that work for me. The plasticover, to me, is the best of both.
I have not played in over a decade but im picking it back up and im going to go synthetic this time... great video! thank you
thanks
This is awesome information
Thanks muchly for the vid. Comments were extremely helpful. I am very much a beginner on the tenor sax (for some 2-3 months) and have become quite frustrated with the Rico 2.5 reeds as they seem to be too unreliable (high % of fails, soften very quickly, limited life etc). Interestingly I tried the Vandoren 3 and I found them much more reliable, although harder for me to practise as a beginner. I have come to the conclusion that I would be better off and make much more efficient use of my practice time swapping over to synthetic reeds. I am not really concerned about difference in tonal quality but in reliability and from all my research it seems the answer might be found in using the synthetics. I realise that as a newbie I know very little about the dark art of choosing one's sax reed and have opened myself up to criticism from the pros. But even if as a student sax player I can improve my practice of tones by 30+% then it will be worth it: and it will just a bit easier for me to determine whether a badly played note is my fault or that of the reed. I really would welcome input from all parties on my observations. I have done quite a bit of research on the topic covering most aspects but really haven't come across any comments on the merits of the beginning sax student using synthetic over cane.
Great video, Jay! Fair and easy to compare using multiple horns and styles, and I agree a lot with your assessment. I get a lot of questions in regards to using synthetic reeds from players, teachers, & students. I can now share this with them for a quality response!
As a professional player (all saxes, clarinet/bass, flutes) I have used Legere reeds for a long time, even going back to my marching band days in high school. I really believe there is value in both cane and synthetic reeds depending on various situations. Like you, I use Legere for some of my doubling instruments almost exclusively (clarinet and bari) to simply pick up and play. I personally like keeping "gig reeds" separate from practice or rehearsal reeds, and Legere also helps there. Living in Florida, humidity is a huge factor and having reeds that don't warp is helpful performing in outdoor settings too. At the end of the day, I still prefer cane for the response, tone, and feel. Before I got the Reed Geek a few years ago, I was very frustrated from the inconsistency of cane reeds, and considered making the full switch - which speaks to their quality. I will say depending on the instrument, I have had mixed results to how much I like the Legere sound.
Reeds can be a struggle, and I'll admit I love just picking up my flute and not having to even think about them. However, I've learned in order to have consistency, you need to put in the effort in "curing" and maintaining them. BTW, I choose all the cane choices but one an example D!
Thanks for making this video!
Thanks Jay. I listened a couple of times to each with high quality headphones and my results were totally mixed. Just goes to show that having a strong sound concept makes all the difference, and that there are no hard and fast differences between synthetic and cane reeds today. I've been playing Forestone Black Bamboo reeds for a couple of years now on alto and love them. They just feel like the best cane reeds I've ever played. And then again, all that is completely subjective .... Thanks again.
Yeah, I think the more you play on these, the better they will sound as you grow used to them. I've been playing them some more and they are feeling even more natural over time.
This channel is great I have brought my first sax yesterday !
Good luck with it!
Interesting... I picked the natural reed all five times -- even though I thought it was the synthetic reed. It just sounded smoother and more open to me. I'm a clarinet player from long ago and I know how finicky natural reeds can be. So, I assumed that the smooth consistent sound I heard was because it was the synthetic reed. WRONG! Interesting...
Tocar com uma palheta sintética é adaptação do músico. Esse vídeo provou que as sintéticas conseguem um excelente som, só é preciso ter paciência pra testar as diversas numeração da mesma palheta. Muito bom o vídeo!
synthetic reeds remind me of my beginner days, my teacher had us use them because they are more durable and last a long time. I used one for my whole first year and saved a ton of money.
I'v built plastic reeds for/by myself 2.5 and 3 number. Very. Very good and so natural
I use the same legere reeds on my tenor. In the community concert band I play in, 3 sax players have switched also to the legere and one oboe PlayStation.
Your sound is beautiful Jay 🙏🏾
Great video! About 8 years ago I started playing my school band tenor saxophone again that I also used for jazz, after having not touched it for 25 years. That didn’t work, but I got me a new saxophone. I was hoping for that somebody in the meantime had done something with the read nightmare with clipping and filing and throwing away half of the box. After some experimenting I started with Otto Link NY metal 7* and Vandoren Java #2. It
worked great, but then I was back to the nightmare again. I tested out several synthetic reeds, Fibracell and Fiberreed, but after some further searching I stumbled into Legere Signature reed. They work fantastic to me. Im using #2. I’m playing the clarinet as well, and have great joy with their clarinet reed, European cut. Never back to the cane reed again that plays well one day and is useless the next. However, Legere is promising consistency between the reads, but that’s only partly true. Better than cane, but I had to throw away some Legere as well.
Very usefull!!
Great comparison video, Jay! I picked the cane reed everytime except for D, I picked #2.
yep i use a 2.5 reed and went to a 2.0 Legere and its great sick it on and go no triming easy to keep and when you have less time to play its ok just sick it on and there it is and there is Jazz cut and now America Cut ..
I switched to synthetic in 2010 & haven't loooked back. In fact I'm still playing the same reeds I bought then. I use Bari (the brand not the instrument!)
I have just bought Legere synthetic...I love it. I love the consistency, and I do not have energy to fiddle around with cane reed.
Just love this channel - full of top info for the beginner like me. Thanks Jay
As a beginner I was wondering whether it would be easier for me to use Legere reeds given that they are more reliable in staying on the note. Any comments welcome.
I use Legere reeds every time I practice the basics on the clarinet. They have a consistent feel so I don't waste 10 minutes swapping out reeds to get a decent tone. And I don't burn through my favorite reeds doing long tones. I tried a synthetic fiber reed once and it sounded decent for about a week.
Very good review. I play alto and tenor sax as well as clarinet. For alto and clarinet, I completely agree with you. Legere reeds work well, but lack something in tone quality. However, with tenor sax, I switched 15 years ago and have become 'addicted' to Legere signature reeds. Tried to switch back to cane reeds (Vandoren) but couldn't get the ease of response and tone that I got from the Legere reed.
Thanks Jay, for the very helpful, informative and timely (in my case) clip comparing cane & synthetic reeds. On the blind test I was 50/50 on cane & synthetic choice. I understand your preference to play cane reeds. In the different synthetic reeds (& plasticover) I have tried, I prefer the tone & dynamics of the cane reeds, but because of the kind of gigs I play, I switched to plasticover reeds, because of their dependability - always the same - they don't dry out between sets or if I switch instruments, and I can play them without much warm-up.
Even though I have not signed up for your course, I greatly appreciate all the clips you make & post on youtube.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
I was kind of forced into a synthetic reed when I had to cut my practice time down to noting and just do the gigs so I went through all the different makers and styles and ended up with Fiberreed Carbon. You can work on them just as you would cane reeds. I would never switch back now.
I always used cane reeds but always had a synthetic for back up. Playing in crowded bars sometimes canes would get damaged if we kept them all dancing long enough!!! Love me some rock & roll.
I've been playing synthetic made by Bari since the 80's and never went back. It took me a couple of days of playing to get adjusted, Consistency is huge and in the long run they are cheaper.
Thanks again Jay for your insight.
As you are a professional player, I respect your opinion and follow your channel.
However, as an "on-again-off-again" beginner, my experience is different. I purchased my dodgy old alto cheap, and thought I'd just bum around on it after many years without my old tenor. My first reed was a Rico 2, and after a couple of weeks it cracked, and I bought some Vandoren 2.5 reeds. Not playing every day, my embouchure never got up to strength, and eventually I gave the whole idea up as useless.
Then I read an article on synthetic reeds and ordered a Legere 2.5 reed, which astounded me - I could actually play! I still don't practise every day, but I can make a passable sound consistently on the alto.
Today, I decided I should go back to cane to check the difference ... and my facial muscles immediately objected, and very strongly. I also noticed a difference in the sound produced.
So, the point of my response is to say that as a beginner without a strong embouchure, I find the Legere suits me infinitely better than cane, but I haven't tried any other reeds apart from what's mentioned. (also I'm over 60 and not as strong as I used to be ...)
We find the Vandoren V16 and ZZ are great but they often need some reed geeking. The Legere last and sound good for jazz.
As someone who hasn't been playing for very long I had a hard time getting started with cane reeds as it was harder to get consistency when learning as the read would change during practice. ended up getting a Bari synthetic reed and have been playing with it almost exclusively due to its ease to get started and how it sounds the same from start to finish. I also found it was a better to get used to learning the full range as some cane reeds work better with high notes and others work better with low. will probably go back to cane eventually.
I’ve been in the Légère camp since about four months ago (after 25 years of cave reeds). I think it is important to allow oneself enough time to get used to the differences between cane and synthetic. At first I too was getting an overly pure sound in my jazz playing, but now I can get all the graininess, huskiness and complexity of tone that I can achieve with a cane reed. The smoothness is off putting at first, but then you get used to that as well. And my lips thank me! No more cuts and dryness. Some mouthpieces also respond better to them than others; I find my Selmer Concept and Jody Jazz Custom Dark pieces (on both alto and tenor) pair beautifully with the Signatures. And yes, getting exactly the right strength is essential in being able to obtain all the tonal variations you seek. The American cuts are great too, if you’re after a brighter sound especially, but I find the Signatures play like a Vandoren blue box; versatile. In short, not going back to cane ; love the reliability and predictability that allows me to focus on other aspects of my playing, instead of worrying about the condition of my reed.
Hey Jay, thanks for the content! I really love Legere Signature reeds. Wierdly though, I tried thier Classics last week and I thought it was the WORST. My local shop was nice enough to exchange it for a Signature
I now use Fibracell premier 2.5 on Bari and Tenor ---I repeat "premier" they are very good ---but still use cane 2h D'darrio (cant spell ) on Alto---my Yamaha 62 with Meyer 5
Okay.... I just bought a Legere Studio Cut reed. And I guess I nailed the strength right on the noggin, because damn, that thing sounded really good! Very impressed. Last time I played a synthetic, I was very "meh" about it. I got a 2.25, playing on an Otto Link HR 6. Nice bright, fat sound.
Fantastic overview, thanks. I urge all new sax players to use synthetic reeds and then experiment with cane reeds once your embochure is developed. This method you will improve your muscles without the headache that cane reeds give you. It’s like troubleshooting from the very beginning where you remove all unnecessary hassles. However once you are ready you will find a cane reed can make your sound amazing, but this only happens a few times a year when you find that golden reed. Hope that helps if you are just starting out. Synthetic reeds will certainly lead the way, based on what I have briefly explained, but the true moment of expression and emotion can only be captured on a cane reed. This great sound only lasts a few days, so synthetic will always win.
Thanks for your great video! After 5 years playing Sythetic reeds i came back to cane reeds. On the beginning it was difficult, it took me 2 month to get adjusted, but cane sounds better, also intonation is better, but you have to select the reeds. Also you have a bigger range of sounds with a cane reed, it is much more flexible for me. But as you say, it is a sound, you like it or not
I stared playing the tenor sax for marching band and started out on a synthetic reed, I personally feel like it helped because all my natural reeds split within a week or two
Hi Jay, watch your videos often, love what you do. I rarely comment but I spent a good amount of time with the Legere staff at the NAMM show this year, and yes you do make a good point about the reed sizes being off and to try a quarter size in either direction to find the right one. That’s exactly what they recommended and what I did and it was way different than my normal usage (3.5 Vandoren Java’s on both tenor and alto compare to 2 3/4 alto and 3 for tenor Legere).
Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, they told me there is a significant period of time of “getting used to the response” and Chris urged me to try them for 2-3 weeks before making up my mind.
I didn’t have any gigs during that time so I just figured let’s use this for practice while not wearing out my good cane reeds. I fought and struggled, really, with them for 2-3 weeks, and I also found the response to be wildly different on my metal mouthpieces, and was about to give up, put on the cane reed and played for a couple days then came back to them and they suddenly “clicked”.
So I think that’s really important. If they aren’t doing what you want them to do, then you need to spend more time and let your body adjust to the different response.
I do agree with you that there are subtle differences and an exceptionally good cane reed with adjustments will have a warmth and subtlety that can’t be duplicated. Thanks for your work and effort on the video!
I’ve been playing Legere Signatures for the last couple years and don’t ever play cane now. A couple years ago, I had exactly a half hour between when my wife went to work and I went to work in which to practice, so I liked having no warm up. (She also had a rule “No Fela Kuti after 9:30 at night.). Now I’m playing in a group in which I sit out many songs in a row, and sometimes get called to join in when I didn’t expect it. I like that the Legere is ready to go anytime. Like the consistency.
Top parabéns.
Thank's for your great review Jay. I've played a Legere 2.25 on a Theo Wanne Ambika 2 7* tenor for about 2 years and love it but my ears told me 2 out of 3 that the Rico 3H was the best sound but not by much. I might just give the Rico a little try
Terry, I really like the RSJ reeds. The one I played in this video was just average, but even the so so ones play fine for me.
I pretty much agree with Jay. I use a 2.75 on my alto and use it for doubling gigs. Use 2.5 on clarinet. I still think that a good cane reed is better. I have found that the synthetic starts to go off after about 3 months i.e. less resistant and slightly buzzy. It is then a matter of how much more I can get out of it before having to shell out for a new one. I have a reed geek and use micromesh paper and season my cane reeds over an 8 day period. It takes a bit of commitment but does result in stable useable cane reeds.
On every poll except the last one I chose the synthetic, I guess I’ll have to try these for myself.
Great comparison video. Can you speak to the longevity of the synthetic vs. cane reeds. Like you I rotate reed use so I always have several ready to go.
I took his advice and just went with what I felt sounded best regardless of which I thought it was. Interestingly, I did pick the cane reed every time, but I wasn't 100% confident which one it was. There were trade-offs in the timbres, so it wasn't a complete black/white superiority thing at all, but to me the cane always ended up sounding a bit more open and full-bodied to me, with a bit more texture as well. I still might have to just get one and try it myself, though. Variety can be good.
I've been using Legere signature 2 1/2 reeds since they came out and have used nothing else since. I get a great tone, it is always consistent, and one reed lasts longer than a couple of boxes of cane.
Would it be correct to say that from how it sounded in the video the legere reads seem more usable for control with tone and Dynamics
well, They're nice and looking at what I voted on the Legere pulls ahead but I think more comparison needs to be done for anything final could be made, and That's kind of the point of the video. Good job.
My God, I chose the legere in all the examples and I'm also a Select Jazz player...
Try using two reeds at the same time man. It costs a little more but it's so luxurious that you'll think you're in Xanadu
Nice comparisons. My preferences were mixed. I wish I had known about the strength differences between what I'm used to and the Legere. I bought a Legere 3 for my tenor a few months ago and it was way too stiff for me to play. Can they be shaved to alter the response? I would hate to waste a 30 dollar reed without at least trying to make use of it. If so, I'd love to see a video about altering synthetic reeds. I have several (mostly Bari synthetic) I'd like to fix.
This was fun. Love music, can't play. I heard a warmth from the cane and my results 4/5 shows there must be something to that.
Sentimental mood for the win
Looking forward to you testing the new Venn reeds.
1:20 felt like watching hentai
Esteban Vergas wtf is wrong with u...
well then..
Evan YUEH to make sure you don’t see the reed
@Evan YUEH it was so you wouldn’t see which reed it was so 7 could have. A blind test to see which sounds better or which one you orefer
Been playing alto sax for about a year now I'd like to try a new mouthpiece, currently using a Yamaha 4c, I like the deeper sounds of the blues.
I tried legere and my life changed greatly...
I use the Legere reeds all the time mainly because I double on guitar and sax in a band setting making it tough to keep a cane reed wet. Now that I've played them for 2+ years I wouldn't switch back even if I could. I should mention I favor the Signature over the Studio Legere as I think they sound closer to the tone I'mm looking for. The studio's are a bit brighter so sometimes in for Rock/Blues/Country they have their place.
I picked cane reeds 2/3 for Alto, 2 for 2 for tenor. I've used Legere before . . . they are super easy to play but I could never get rid of a "spit" buzzing. As well, I found that cane just had a nice sound.
Forgetting I had commented on this video 2 years ago, and did the listening test again and preferred cane in all situations. But the differences were slight. I still use a Legere on my soprano.
Most honest appraisal of Legere I've seen. I tried them for a bit.. convenient....but. Anybody that says they can't tell the difference hasn't played a good cane reed for a long time and has forgotten what they really sound like. Put it this way, have you ever heard anyone say they sound better than cane reeds???? No, didn't think so.
I use fiber carbon onyx reeds medium strength.I tried them all and the Onyx reeds are the best
I agree with your comment about not being comfortable. They don't just feel quite right. I use Fibrecell on my tenor, as they feel closer to a cane reed than the Legere
I use Fibrecell reeds also, I think they are a good compromise between quality of sound and reed stability in different conditions.
I have used Fibrecell too and I agree that they feel more like cane reeds. I did try a fibracell tenor reed on my alto just to see how it would sound and I got a big, more fuller sound with the low notes coming out easier but it was a little bit buzzy sounding for me.
I switched to Fibrecell for my 1920’s alto a few years ago. Love them, but it took some some testing as they tend to be weaker than charted. Using a 3.5 which produces a warm sound on my horn with little warm. Still have cane on my soprano though. Great video. Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge.
Interesting that I picked all Legere for both horns. That’s probably why I play Signature 2 1/2 on alto and Studio Cut/Traditional 2 1/2 on tenor.🙂 Nice video comparison Jay!
Thanks Wendell, that is interesting that you picked all Legere. When I took the polls I picked Legere twice which surprised me..
I live in a very dry climate in the winter and have found the synthetic reeds to be very consistent day to day. I am not suggesting that they are better sounding for a professional, but for my noodling they are more enjoyable to play.
Thanks for this post! I usually play D'Adarrio plasticover #3 reeds because they are consistent, so tried a Legere Signature 2.5 hoping for consistency & more dynamics, but found it way too resistant (so I use it to strengthen my embouchure or use it on a different mouthpiece). I will try a #2 before making a final decision about Legere.
Yeah, usually the first Legere is too hard since their chart is way off.
I almost thought I would be surprised, but it turns out I voted for the cane reed on all of them except the first one. Which seems appropriate for me since, for whatever reason, I've never really liked Vandoren reeds. They used to push Vandoren on us back in the school days, and tell us they were better, but I always preferred La Voz or Rico. And when I feel like spending the extra bucks, the Alexander Superials.
I know this is an old video but I have just watched it. For every single example and reed I picked the Cane reed on best sound. Not once did I pick Synthetic. Cane reed was a clear winner for me. Very interesting video. Thank you.
Ingenerally prefered the sound of cane reeds. 3+ examples were prefered in reed and 2+ in synthetic. + because sometimes it was hard to pick one. Was the extra breathyness a too much of a distraction or was the clarity of the note over the breathiness more satisfing?
I found i could hear the non musical breaths, and forced air more on synthetic reeds.
I personally prefer my synthetic reed. I use a 2 1/5 synthetic and have a 3 Cane Reed for my tenor as a backup reed.
With regards to the Fibracell Reeds, I find they play on my metal Otto Link 7* like magic! Takes my intonation down a whole subtone, once you adjust, smooth.... 🎷🎉👍
I agree. I play a Fibracell Premium 3’s on my Guardala MB II Tenor Mpc. Magic. Great sub tones , overtones and altissimo, and regular tone is complex and rich and full. Use them on my Link Tone Edge 7* on bari, but 2.5 strength to make it super easy to crank out the low register as softly as I want... they’re great reeds.
Thank you so much for doing this! I liked the sound of the cane reeds best on the alto (which I use that set up as well.) And on the tenor I was split a little, they sounded similar to me, but I ended up choosing the synthetic reeds both times on the poll just to pick one. Your videos are just the best.
Thanks Danielle!
Excellent tests to decide which reed to choose. I ask you, do you know the G-reeds made in Argentina? Best regard
Hello! Thanks you very much for your video. Excuse me for my english. Whats note should be on mouthpiece without neck? Thanks
Love these reeds, been using them for a little bit more than a year now. Used to use Rico Royale 2 1/2, Im using a Legere Signature 2 1/4. Im an amateur sax player, which happens to have a jazz band :). I play tenor and use a Selmer s80 MP. I have tried these reeds with my SYOS MP and they really dont work well together (to my taste)
Cheers!
Hey Jay... Interestingly, I picked the cane reeds each time and it had to do with what I was hearing. The synthetic reed although awesome, in my opinion, ever-so-slightly absorbed some of the sound, where the cane reeds vibrated the sounds naturally... if that makes any sense. I'm still gonna give the synthetic reeds a try though for some of the many reasons you mentioned. Thanks for the trial.
Jay I've been using 2 1/2 strength cane reed. I am trying to play smooth songs but air comes
out not so smooth. Tried a Legere 2 1/2 but had to blow so hard busted blood vessels in my eyes. Blows like a 5 I didn't know about sending back but might try something easier. One thing to mention is there slick hard to position on mouth piece and want to slide around in your mouth.
I do not know if I have tried Legere, but I have used synthetic. Used them back in the day when I was in marching band. They were great for getting a better loudness. Personally though, I love using Vandoren V16's.
Pics n Motion I swear by V16s
I love my Legere Signature on Tenor. It’s a little “buzzier” than cane but I quite like that. Apart from lasting ages, they’re just so convenient, just pick up and play😘
I'm not a player, just a fan of music, I've always been more interested in how muscians chose their setups .
I honestly think once you're beyond a mid level player it comes down not to which thing is better, but what works for the tone you're after.
In the blind hearing test, I selected the Legere in Example "A" over the Java Red....otherwise my ear gravitated toward the cane reeds for all of the others, the D'Addario Jazz Selects. The Legeres are close (your a pro player, Jay, YOUR tonal timbre and expression is great on both, and consistent) but I did hear the cane to be slightly more vibrant. I'm using cane on my jazz set-ups, and a Legere classic on my loud/bright rock & roll set-up.