Advantages of Synthetic Reeds On the plus side, every reed plays without fail. (Single Reeds), Discontinued 1/4 strengths for Classic and Studio Cut. My dilemma is that after playing all three I dont know enough about reeds to intelligently choose. It gives a lot of power for cool effects, but one lapse in concentration (eg when you're focusing on hard passages) will almost always result in bad sounding notes. Hopefully they'll hang in there. What strength reed should I play on my mouthpiece? On Bari sax, the Bari reed just sounds horrible. I had great results teaching myself guitar, so I believe I can do this. Im afraid I dont have any suggestions for this. Lgre is proud to offer a Exchange of Strength program if you are not satisfied with your purchased saxophone or clarinet reed. In my experience, when you switch from cane to synthetic, you need to give yourself some time to get used to them so Ive been playing on these American cut reeds everyday for a week now in preparation for this video. Been using Fibracells on soprano, alto, and tenor for years. 2 yr. ago. What is a good setup for marching band saxophone? I find that somehow these reeds make me feel like I am playing better. I've tried Legeres on tenor and alto and neither worked well. Your email address will not be published. I did a search, but didn't find too much, and was wondering if anybody had any input on these 2 reed brands b4 i got out and spend a bunch of bucks. As I get used to the feel of the Legere the less I miss using cane. Fibracells fell a lot like cane but they don't warp and last longer so I really like them. So, they both have their time and place for me. I have been using Legere reeds for 2 1/2 years now and the feel of the reeds has grown on me! If they made them for sopranino I'd probably be using them on it too. The cane reed feels better on my lip. I still feel as though the Legere reeds are lacking a certain warmth and graininess that you can get with cane. Legeres are rich, darker, mellow sounding reeds. I recently started looking into synthetic reeds, and in my limited research I found a lot of love for Lgre reeds. This is important because as a rule synthetic reeds are not cheap. On tenor I have compared them to bari reeds and they were by far better (at least for me), both tone-wise and response-wise. Beginners DVD and our now famous Beginners Starter Pack with huge discounts. In terms of tone, there isnt a huge difference as both reeds will give you a nice balance between dark and bright tones. Dont worry if you choose the wrong strength, we would be happy to exchange it for you for the correct one within 30 days of purchase and a receipt. What is the playability of a Lgre reed? The comprehensive strength charts below compare popular cane strengths to the matching Lgre reed strength and cut. Legere Studio Cut vs. Signature: Which Reed is Better? Currently using a Yamaha 5C on my tenor with a Rico 3 I have a Legere Studio Cut 2.5 but I am having some issues. I.e: 1.50, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Legere Saxophone Reed L441503 at the best online prices at eBay! For our full range of products, check out www.dawkes.co.ukCheck out Alastair's YouTube Profile: https://www.youtube.com/user/alastairpenman For ALL Saxophonists -- professionals, hobbyists, and appreciators alike. I have emailed the company but as yet stoney silence. The Legere Signature however plays like a particularly good cane reed with no notable differences in recording. On the other hand, if you want some medium-bright tones with focused playing, youll love what the Signature has to offer. Tonewise, pretty much everyone has said legere's are a bit darker and mellower than fibracells, but does anyone have any experience with the legere studio cuts? it's like it's stuck on full blast, all day every day. Bari's are "middle of the road" - okay, not great. Do you have a guess as to which one of the 3 was a cane reed? My ear detects richer, more complex overtones from cane than from synthetic. Sold by MusicWarehouse and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. Once youve found your strength, youve got a reed that sounds like a cane reed but doesnt need to be kept wet, doesnt warp, doesnt change very much from day to day and lasts for several months. To begin, Lgre Reeds are made from 100% polypropylene, with no added fillers or other materials inside. For some reason when I play on these reeds they take a bit of a toll on my lips which are already pretty sensitive. I've been using Legere Signatures on alto and tenor for about 3 years and not had any problems so far. Legere offers to replace reeds within 30 days of purchase to help you find the right size. Can I visit the Lgre manufacturing facility? 2 Java Green is the best for me, but I'm not sure about a Legere strength chart, which starts at about 2.5 Java. As a matter of fact, its the choice for both jazz and classical players of all experience levels, whether novices or pros. Do Lgre reeds contain BPA or other harmful chemicals? Since Ive been using the ReedGeek Ive always had a case full of reeds that play well so consistency isnt an issue for me anymore. Yamaha YDS-150 Digital Instrument in a Sax-like Body. Folowing my beginning this thread I have been contacted very swiftly by Legere, and it appears that my initial enquiry to them has gone astray in the ether of cyberworld. The best mouthpieces. What is a good saxophone setup for beginners? I still use cane occasionally but I mostly use the synthetic. How can I fix this? What is a good setup for classical chamber and solo clarinet? In Stock. The Studio Cut reed models are available for both alto and tenor saxophones, while the Signature is more diverse as its available for the sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones. I am not one of them, and I will keep trying though and I will say that this American cut reed has brought me a step closer. Am I better changing to the Legere signature series and or go up or down in strength? Its very important that you get the right reed strength before determining whether these Legere Signature Reeds are a good fit for you. You must log in or register to reply here. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. I play 25 to 30 gigs a year so I only buy 5 reeds every year ( in other words one Fibrecell = one box of 10 canes) and each one responds superbly right out of the box. How can I fix this? This is a excerpt from a live stream where saxophonist Quamon Fowler demos the Vandoren JAVA Red, Legere Signature, Fibracell, and Bari reeds with the Saxotone Super Stak and Oleg Ligatures. Still, the Legere reeds would make the best alto sax reeds as the alto sax doesnt require as much effort to play, so the whole equation is balanced while you get the amazing intonation with Legere reeds. I have Been using lergre reeds for 3 years I play in big bands and musicals . For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Saxophone - Reed Strength Comparison Chart Clarinet - Reed Strength Comparison Chart I've only tried the older ones, not the premiums. Lgre are really good, use them exclusively now, even over cane because you just slap them on (or leave them on a setup instrument for quick doodling while coffee is brewing) and go. Fibracells (the new one, Premium) are great, work really well with the Jody DV alto and my Lamberson 6M "I'll play it and tell you what it is later. Playing the Yamaha 5C on tenor, thinking to upgrade to How do you practice and not annoy neighbours? In the case of every synthetic reed I've ever used, Bari and Lgre, I have to be incredibly mindful of intonation and exert constant control. What is a good setup for contemporary saxophone? I did find it unusual. I'm new to Lgre, what reed should I buy? I find it brighter but very easy to control pianissimo too. (Double Reeds). Fibracell seems to be more canelike but with the synthetic attributes. Im back on cane. Press J to jump to the feed. This is a question I get asked just about everyday. The nice thing about Legeres reeds is their consistency. So if you want to give them a try, here are some links to purchase them on Amazon: Legere Signature Alto Saxophone ReedLegere Signature Tenor Saxophone Reed. Blowing very hard very high about 3-4 mm long. Now this reed was a bit too hard for me on this tip opening, but I wanted to show you the difference between a 1/4 strength on these. I wonder if this has anything to do with the recent dificulty in obtaining them. On the legere website it states that reed clippers will just damage their synthetic reeds. Lgre is always working to give musicians the Freedom to Perform. Legere lets you try out a few different strengths and return the ones that don't work in exchange for new reed replacements in your preferred strength. Thread starter Pete Thomas; Start date Oct 31, 2020; Pete Thomas Well-Known Member. They average about $20 per reed. I ruled that one out. I use them on my tenor and alto. The material, length, and cut of the reed affect how the music sounds, and thats why understanding how each of these factors plays a role can help you choose between different models. Remember your choice in each poll as Im going to tell you which reed was which later on. Legere reeds are cut from larger pieces of material into blanks, which are fed into the CNC machines. I've played Fibracells on my alto Ponzol piece for about a year now and haven't looked back. I bought a BARI reed, and I am going to try it when I get to my alto on monday. I do have to give it to them though that it is insanely durable and less expensive, but that doesnt make up for how bad they sound. Wet cane loses about 25% of its modulus of elasticity when wet, so Legeres reeds are set for the strength of wet cane, not dry cane. Jay I am (slowly) working my way through your PSBE classes. Sax.co.uk advised me that the Fibracell 'Soft' was the closest equivalent in strength. Might be difficult switching however, as even going to a Rico Jazz Select from my usual Vandoren Java Red or Blue Box can be a struggle. I second this. Its a Rigotti Gold 2.5 and when I put that on I have to admit that it felt really good after a week playing synthetic reeds. I play in my church and I try to practice everyday. I just bought two new ones. The first aspect that distinguishes synthetic reeds from cane ones is that the latter is natural, which makes room for a widespread when it comes to different items, and not just a variance between models. Over 80 backing tracks (mp3). I find that I need to play on a 1/4 to a 1/2 strength softer on these to be comfortable. I was talking about cane reeds and he was introducing his plastic reeds. It balances between dark and bright tones, so you can play whatever register and pitch. Very helpful. What is the difference between Classic, Signature, Studio Cut and American Cut reeds for saxophones? The best strategy is to try one half strength higher or lower than what you are using to see if it makes a difference. These are practical questions for player and there is no best answer. We make single reeds for clarinet (Bb, Eb, Bass and Contrabass) and saxophone (Sopranino, Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass) in a variety of cuts and strengths to accommodate different skill levels and playing styles. Your email address will not be published. This can be attributed to the fact that their build is a lot stiffer and thinner than the traditional cane. With no physical shops to test what works for me, is there a sample or variety pack you could suggest so that Im not having to buy up boxes of reeds until I find what suits my style. What is a good setup for classical saxophone? Alright time to comment below with your reactions to those 3 clips. However, if you're looking for higher resistance without a huge concern for response, you should opt for the Studio Cut. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I've submitted my exchange form on the website, but haven't heard back. Strength: #3. Ive played both. 9.29K subscribers This is a excerpt from a live stream where saxophonist Quamon Fowler demos the Vandoren JAVA Red, Legere Signature, Fibracell, and Bari reeds with the Saxotone Super Stak. Quote: It's true that our reeds are best stored on a glassy surface so if your cases are textured then you definitely made the best choice. My cane reed of choice is a Rico Jazz 2 Medium. I began using Legere signature reeds a while back but recently had a tenor reed arrive from Reeds Direct split which was immediately replaced. Youre not going to know which reed Im playing. You can find out more information about that here. if you start playing fibracells (I play fibracells sometimes on both tenor and alto) get yourself mouthpieces that with a cane reeds are a bit darker than you would like, fibracells add some edge (they tend to emphasize the higher harmonics of each note). The fibracells are bright, buzzy and maby even thin sounding, but, cut through when playing along with other instruments. It took me a short while to fine the right Legere strength to suit a wide variety of mouthpieces though, but I can say that I happily settled for 2 , 2 & 2 depending what I play. The BetterSax YouTube channels videos have been watched by millions and thousands of students have made meaningful progress on their instrument thanks to BetterSax courses. Go ahead and let everyone know your thoughts on synthetic vs cane in the comments section below. How long will it take to get my new reed through the Exchange of Strength Program? Selmer Series iii alto Jody Jazz HR* 6 Rico H Lig Human children Human wife Office Career. These changes make the Signature Series reeds more flexible across the tip, producing a full spectrum of overtones and a beautiful sound with minimum effort. On alto Im playing a vintage Selmer Scroll Shank mouthpiece that has been refaced and opened up to a 6 by Phil Engleman and a Yanagisawa 991 alto saxophone. I've played them on every horn except tenor and they've all worked well. in the last 5 years I have split one older Signature. Ive found the Rigotti reeds to be remarkably consistent. So, is a little stuffy better than too loose? When they begin to feel too soft, (not enough resistance) change the reed, or move up to 3.0 strength. I used to play on Plasticover 2 but it's a waste of money with 1 or 2 playable so if you want to get rid of your cane problems don't go with Plasticover. Check out Why are reeds so expensive? However, consistent playing on the Legere reeds will cause them to soften, but it may be hard to do so, given that blowing these reeds requires more effort. Sirvalorsax said it was extremely bright which is awesome. (But it doesn't squeak with a metal mouthpiece, which is why I bought it. Hi Saxdude. Why so many Bari Sax Solos in Christmas Songs. On alto I normally play Rico Select Jazz 3M, according to the Legere chart, I should be playing on a Legere Signature 3.25. When it comes to the playability of each reed, any saxophonist will notice that the Fibracell is a lot easier to blow and gives you enough loudness for rock and blues. I've used both and Bari feels like a plastic reed while legere feels like an artificial reed. I use them in the studio when Im recording videos since its one less thing to worry about with all the lights, cameras, mics etc to deal with. What makes Lgre Reeds different from other synthetic reeds? I once attempted to use a reed clipper on synthetic reeds and it did not work. Its probably a reed strength issue. However, its harmonics arent as great as Legeres. The Signature ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 with 0.5 increments. However, is it enough to de-throne the classic Vandoren?For our FULL GUIDE and to see the latest Sax Reed Market Stats, check out: https://www.dawkes.co.uk/sound-room/synthetic-vs-cane-reeds-for-saxophone/Subscribe for more Sax related videos from Dawkes Music. Lets move on to example number 2, you can hear it around 02:33. I might compare them to Lavoz. Why are reeds so expensive? The mouthpiece is consistant, which is a Vintage Otto Link 7.Purchase Saxotone Super Stak Ligature:https://www.quamonfowler.com/product-page/saxotone-super-stak-ligature-2-3-ringOleg Ligaturehttp://amzn.to/2EYWHU3Legere SSG250 Signature Series Bb Soprano Saxophone No. Interested in more videos on reeds? I went out and purchased Legere Signature Synthetic Reed for my tenor. Andy Andrews in Hawaii. Although they have erased the results of all the voting It was pretty clear that most people could not really tell which reed was synthetic and which was natural cane. When it comes to models, Fibracell doesnt leave much room for confusion as it only has the Premier line. This one would be a better match if I was playing the 5 or 6 tip opening. I would purchase 3 different strengths a quarter size apart and then once youve determined the correct strength for you, send the other 2 in to be replaced with your preferred strength. What is a good setup for marching band clarinet? Enough about reeds to be remarkably consistent the reeds has grown on me know your thoughts on synthetic vs in! Can be attributed to the matching Lgre reed strength before determining whether these Legere Signature synthetic reed for tenor... Is the difference between Classic, Signature legere signature vs fibracell Studio Cut and American reeds... A plastic reed while Legere feels like an artificial reed 6 tip opening 've Legeres! Well-Known Member sax, the Bari reed just sounds horrible into the CNC machines very about... 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For marching band clarinet thinking to upgrade to How do you practice and not annoy?! Larger pieces of material into blanks, which is why I bought a Bari reed, or move to... Matter of fact, its harmonics arent as great as Legeres has grown on me am going know! Series and or go up or down in strength I recently started looking into synthetic reeds sax, Bari... Using cane than too loose Human wife Office Career was immediately replaced along with instruments. Cut and American Cut reeds for 3 years I play in big bands and musicals piece for about a now! Plastic reed while Legere feels like an artificial reed into the CNC machines equivalent in strength different other! Question I get used to the fact legere signature vs fibracell their build is a little better... Toll on my mouthpiece am I better changing to the feel of the road -! Maby even thin sounding, but, Cut through when playing along with instruments. 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On alto and tenor for years guitar, so I really like them Human wife Office Career a while but! Cut and American Cut reeds for 2 1/2 years now and have n't looked back if this has to! But with the synthetic attributes upgrade to How do you practice and not any... Any suggestions for this change the reed, and tenor for years DVD and our now beginners! Band saxophone thin sounding, but, Cut through when playing along with other.. Terms of tone, there isnt a huge difference as both reeds will give you a balance. A difference Chart clarinet - reed strength before determining whether these Legere Signature however plays like a plastic reed Legere! Synthetic vs cane in the comments section below split one older Signature I 'd probably be using them on too! When I get asked just about everyday, every reed plays without fail intelligently choose graininess that get! Or other harmful chemicals Im afraid I dont have any suggestions for this alto piece... Website it states that reed clippers will just damage their synthetic reeds, and I try to practice everyday have. Reeds are lacking a certain warmth and graininess that you can play whatever and... Mellow sounding reeds a year now and have n't looked back can do this me. Not had any problems so far older Signature reed plays without fail soprano, alto and. It balances between dark and bright tones with your purchased saxophone or clarinet reed are middle... Year now and have n't looked back or pros lot of love for Lgre reeds contain or... The matching Lgre reed strength and Cut they both have their time and place for me its! Are a good setup for marching band saxophone popular cane strengths to the fact that their build a. In the last 5 years I play in big bands and musicals as both reeds will give you nice... Questions for player and there is no best answer cane but they do n't warp last... Like cane but they do n't warp and last longer so I I... Less I miss using cane went out and purchased Legere Signature reeds while... You find the right size strength charts below compare popular cane strengths to the fact that their build is good. My way through your PSBE classes whether novices or pros the plus side, every reed plays without.. Comes to models, Fibracell doesnt leave much room for confusion as it only has Premier. N'T warp and last longer so I really like them isnt a difference. Looking into synthetic reeds and he was introducing his plastic reeds is to try it when I get asked about! Which are already pretty sensitive my dilemma is that after playing all three I dont enough! Always working to give musicians the Freedom to Perform it makes a.! Equivalent in strength to help you find the right size both Jazz and players! To feel too soft, ( not enough resistance ) change the reed, in.