Cane vs. plastic reeds - can YOU hear the difference?

Blind (Deaf?) listening test alert! Katherine and I play for one another, as we try to guess which is a Legere and which is our Vandoren reed. See if you can tell the difference.

[@erickmartinez361]

“And I use a 2.5 cuz I’m like a 5th grader”

[@erickmartinez361]

Honey Darling Sugar Bumkin Sweetheart I was just quoting what he said lol

[@earspasm]

Aaaand, (sorry but) that's not right. Reeds match to your mouthpiece, not the strength of your muscles. If you have a more open mouthpiece, generally you use softer reeds. If you have a more close facing, your reeds will be harder strength. Just to keep things straight here :)

[@JahzelSamuels]

👍 Thanks. I know better now. before, I was taught it was based on other factors since we all used the exact same type mouthpiece. And some people moved while others didn't.

[@waterhippo4160]

Erick Martinez it would be different if a person uses 2.5 reed with a tip opening of 8 or 9 haha

[@andrewseaver7913]

Erick Martinez 3.5 is the bets for high notes

[@imitatsiya]

Plastic reeds do not have that BARK I'm sure the pun was unintentional

[@funkwater8759]

OMFG BRO THAT HAD ME ON THE FLOOR

[@evanjewell6243]

imitatsiya I i

[@mrbigg151]

I was JUST thinkin that lol

[@alphahunter4791]

imitatsiya I was about to comment about that.

[@electricharmonyac7354]

.......🤣😂😃😄😅

[@trevorcannon433]

Ima trumpet player... Why am I here?!

[@thinkharder2028]

Trevor Cannon ....to show the other trumpet players where they are going wrong...then become a conductor😆

[@burritos1000]

I'm a guitar player... ...why am I here? Ok, my daughter plays Clarinet.

[@whackacole3]

Trevor Cannon I’m a flute. I’m. Strong independent wooden who don’t need no reed.

[@ivania.]

I’m a trombone player... Why am I HERE?

[@emeraldedits2798]

Im a trombone and flute player

[@nicoleisstillhere]

I only use plastic reeds during marching season so they won’t get dry when it’s really cold out. During concert season I go back to my wooden reeds

[@stephenhaydel2961]

I would have loved to have plastic reeds when I was in Marching Band. They weren't around in the 80s. I always had some really bad chipped reeds for marching season. *Bass Clarinet.

[@jaredho7676]

Not to mention warping

[@fryloc359]

I only knew of plasticoat reeds when I was in marching band, that was 1990-1994.

[@Nerakglaze]

I'm in the same camp with you Nicole, Plastic for marching and cane reed for me during concert season.

[@FinikyFiddleFinds]

All the clarinets and saxaphones in my band never use plastic reeds, even playing outside. Of course I live in Alaska, so we learn to deal with it.

[@playboi.daugherti]

honestly besides the volume thing, plastic reeds seem perfect for marching band (but it's not like anyone can hear the clarinets anyway)

[@rayzhang5551]

you want to be careful. the legere's can play louder, but the tone is more spread, so it won't travel as far. if you want a setup that can project, use a very open mouthpiece (like Vandoren B45), then use a reed that's a little too hard for you, so that it sounds fuzzy when you play. But the fuzzy sound won't be heard 20 feet away, and you'll get a bright, clean sound.

[@whoitisnot]

Many marching bands have woodwind features now in their shows. Clarinets better be able to be heard!

[@jansanchez879]

Bs that’s not true

[@whoitisnot]

What's not true?

[@BeigeMusic]

To prove the point clarinets get features... I got a pretty cool clarinet feature when I was in high school. If you want you should check it out, because I'm screaming out an ultra sonic B :^) It's in the second movement of the video below. Cane Reed. It is a 3.5+ Rue Lepic. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o53ZnoiugaqXf8k

[@thewrenley]

I think the shirts are the best part. Where can I get one?

[@JDaTopo]

Laughing because I’m an Oboe player. They don’t understand reed struggles like us double reed players do.

[@spheyuh]

Exactly! I play alto sax but I'm an oboe player first. I chipped the corner of my alto reed and it played just fine, but I did the same to my oboe reed a month ago and it didn't play! Single reed peeps will never understand.

[@hotcheeto8076]

Lol I understand

[@JDaTopo]

I basically play every single woodwind instrument and the instruments that have the least struggles is the flutes. Also I play alto for marching band, my reed gets banged up all the time and it still plays fine. But my oboe reed on the other hand :/. My oboe fell on the floor and chipped the corner of it, then right after that, someone stepped on the reed by accident. I was dead on the inside.

[@spug9338]

Yeah I play Trombone which is a much easier life lol

[@austin5920]

@@spug9338 Just wait, we have many issues..

[@rumba7]

I've been using Legere reeds for about ten years. I have a couple of them that I'm still using. If you break one in that is a little stiff at first, they can last for a very long time. I've noticed that the newer signature series is thinner and doesn't seem to last as long, but I like the response better than the classic. Another thing that I've found that is helpful, is to lick the back of the reed so that it is wet when you put it on the mouthpiece. That moisture gives me a nice seal on the table of the mouthpiece. Moving the reed up or down just the tiniest bit can also make a big difference in response. Thanks for another excellent and informative video.

[@BlameItOnGreg]

When I could discern a difference, I much preferred the sound of the plastic reeds. With softer playing, they had more clarity and purity of tone, and with louder playing, they got rowdy without the overly abrasive harshness (like fingernails on a chalkboard) that the cane reeds had.

[@JohnSmith-iu3jg]

BlameItOnGreg the synthetic reeds typically vibrate more uniformly and produce more of the lower partials (overtones) People often describe the resulting sound as "darker" or more "mellow"

[@krane15]

Some might argue and say that your "purity of tone" sounds artificial and sterile since those subtle nuance is what brings music to life.

[@jaredho7676]

5:58 You see her put the reed in her mouth, therefore it is cane.

[@elizamartinez2480]

Jared Ho I literally thought the same thing😂

[@madisonlillard1370]

Plastic reeds need saliva to make better contact with the mouth piece in order to cause vibration, which is what makes the sound on the clarinet or any woodwind for that matter.

[@Clarinetfanz]

I always thought that the cane reeds were much better than the plastic reeds, but after seeing this video, the results were much closer than I thought. I have a Bari Saxophone Legere and a Vandoren 3 1/2 reed for my contra-alto clarinet, so I will only know for sure once I try both of them.

[@RikardPeterson]

All plastic reeds used to be crap. It's not many years that synthetic has been a real option.

[@gangofgreenhorns2672]

I like how he blurred her wetting the reed so you couldn't see it was cane... lol

[@mikemccarthy4765]

have to say that, for the Bb, the plastic sounded good enough for most of what I'm likely to do with my playing. It was 95% as good as the cane but without any of the potential downsides. Be interesting to compare a plastic to some cane that's straight out the box, no selecting good cane.

[@MrIKnow-qk8cr]

I’m a brass player, why did I watch the entire thing?

[@windmillwilly]

You may be transinstrument.

[@jackl780]

6:16 whats the name of this piece??

[@CocaCola51]

rose etude 4.

[@nomorebushz]

Marching band ha! So I played the oboe. Then they handed me a saxophone and said you’re marching anyway.

[@redeyedfreaks]

Warning, long winded comment! I think the main thing holding people back from Légère is that there is no good way to try a selection. People might agree to buy one Reed, but if it doesn't work with what they have currently they stop trying. Legere is different from cane, it would make sense to try different versions and different mouthpieces until you find something that works and give it a run. I used to hate Légère in high school and thought they were completely unplayable. But when I got to college I was shocked to see my professor switch to one angrily during a particularly bad weather/reed day. He doesn't play on them normally, but if his cane won't cooperate he moves to something that will. (Until he can adjust or break in something new) After trying out what his combination was I decided to switch and give Légère a chance. I found that I was able to get around 85-90% of the same results from Légère, cold, no break in, no adjustment period. As a music Ed major I don't have time to be babying cane reeds and keeping up constant new rotations. Legere let's me perform and practice with out any of the complaints associated with reeds. Which is a phenomenal achievement (seriously pay attention to how much people complain about reeds). For the other instruments I've still to find a good combination. On bass they "work" but like you Michael I'm not sold on them. I probably just need to try more mouthpieces. For eb I sound terrible so anything Légère will follow lol. However on contra they are a REQUIREMENT. I've seen die hard vandoren/cane players switch to Légère when assigned contra. Cane reeds will close up and warp every time on a reed of that size. If you're still reading this comment, thanks! I'll get off my soapbox now and feel free to ask any questions!

[@rayzhang5551]

You mentioned that there is no good way to try a selection. I just wanted to say you can return Legeres that you buy from Amazon. I've done it countless times, and now I have awesome Legeres to use. You'd be surprised at how much the reeds can vary, even though they are synthetic. If you live near LA, I think RDG woodwinds allows you to try a few Legeres and pick the ones you want -- I think.

[@hazeld8016]

This is probably a dumb question but do the plastic reeds chip? Bc if not I’d be willing to try them.

[@redeyedfreaks]

Hazel D all reeds have the potential to chip, but legere are much stronger than cane reeds. Of all the plastic reeds I've used I think I've only chipped one (and that one was pretty old). As long as you're not too rough with it it won't chip.

[@rayzhang5551]

I've got a few Legeres and haven't chipped any yet

[@hazeld8016]

Geronimo thank you!

[@bobblues1158]

I´m sorry guys , but on the playbacks, the plastic reeds sounded more even and bigger and warmer. It is all very subjective, and I think you should work a little more with the plastic and keep in mind my earlier suggestions. You still have to work at it to to get what you want.

[@rayzhang5551]

Michael is a Vandoren artist so it's likely he'll stay Vandoren. if he spent more time trying Legeres (and worst case situation switching a mouthpiece), he could probably end up with a Legere setup he likes. but it's unlikely he'll do that

[@gypsyvail]

must be subjective. I thought the plastic reeds were missing a comparative ton of resonance, sounding thin and flat especially on the slower etude. I imagine the quality of one's playback system might have an effect too.

[@HannahIrene719]

No way. The cane reeds had such a depth that I could tell was missing from the plastic reeds instantly. The plastic reeds do sound smoother but it makes it sound artificial. Like digital vs traditional art. One just has the extra touch to it that gives it a special richness.

[@Teladian2]

I have the same issue with the oboe reeds. They have no lower partials and so they sound thin and waxy. Much better than the opd fiber cane plastic reeds, but still not something i can play on in concert

[@Zachary-ro6eg]

Honestly I now use a legere EUROPEAN CUT (the other ones are trash) strength 4.5 permanently and I'm never going back to wood they're consistent and sound great. TIP: If you want to make them last longer, rinse off the back of the reed after every time you play on it to prevent spit from drying in the cracks, I've been doing this and I've been playing on the same plastic reed for five months and it still sounds great

[@billykarwoski5353]

I use a 3.5 I’m in 8th lol

[@lrzhi]

Billy Karwoski ayyy same here. When did you start?

[@spheyuh]

Lol I'm in 8th and I use 2.5 I'm basically a child

[@cyrusallen9225]

I'm in 8th and I use a 2 1/2 because that is what my school provides at least for my base for my regular I have a three that my band teachers got me

[@JulienJeagal]

Lol when I was in 8th i was v12 3

[@glazedcarrot8032]

I’m in 7th and I use three and a half’s

[@tkcarpenter2144]

I'm not sure how this is a valid comparison- any change to your setup will require some adjustment period. Moving from cane to Legere is a significant change requiring a distinct adjustment period. Additionally, assuming that you were playing the Legere Classic, they are much more comparable to your Vandoren Blue Box than the V12/V21. While they may not match the very best reeds, they will be better than at least 3 out of 5 of a typical box of brand name cane reeds. My story is the same as many- with a bit of adjustment, I find that I sound better on Legere reeds than on the average cane reed and that I no longer have to worry about the numerous failings of cane reeds. Perhaps, if you gave them an actual shot, your feelings would be different.

[@earspasm]

It seems I might have struck a nerve with this video. I know people are very passionate about what they use, and to have me poke at that…well, it causes some folks to feel like I'm negating their experience. Nothing could be farther from the truth-everyone's experience is just as valid as everyone else's (mine included). I recognize that I could give Legere a longer try, and perhaps I will. But as long as I'm happy with what I've got, why switch? Same for you, of course-as long as you're happy, then you know what? We're both happy.

[@tkcarpenter2144]

That is a perfectly fair statement and you're obviously right- if your setup works for you, then why switch? I think the reaction, knee-jerk or not, is that you are condeming those of us who for whom synthetic reeds, like the Legere or Forestone, work for without giving it a fair trial. Though we are finally starting to see a handful of prominent classical clarinetists and saxophonists switch to these reeds, we still get more than our share of criticism from the established classical community, and that may make many of us somewhat overly sensitive of the topic. I hope you know that I mean absolutely no disrespect.

[@redeyedfreaks]

Tristan Carpenter I mean there's a reason Berlin and Vienna have switched over to plastic ;)

[@tkcarpenter2144]

Vienna still uses Weiner oboes, so... ;-)

[@danball4410]

Agreed that the set up is perhaps a bigger factor. Which means the plastic compares well and can hold it's own. It may be that about different strength plastic will give the loud notes what he's looking for. Also since the good cane vs bad cane was such a big discussion point - it gives the plastic the lead. And the longevity may really split the difference and give plastic the edge (puns intended) Great video overall...well done!

[@nycdavid68]

Which Legere did you guys use? The European cut is way more flexible than the signature and I'd you haven't tried that it's way better. (they don't make it for the bass but soon they will) There is an adjustment period with legere. You have to play them with less vertical pressures and that does take months to adjust. Also moving the reed slightly up and down makes huge differences. Lastly, you have to have the right mouthpiece to use them. You have to take a reed to the store and try mouthpieces out that best suit the reed. It took me awhile to find the right combo but it was worth the effort. Now I just practicing instead of fixing reeds for the first hour or so. Traveling and weather changes are no longer a worry for me.

[@katherinecooke4710]

I was using European cut. I think my Kaspar mouthpiece is probably not the most compatible with the plastic. Trying reeds AND mouthpieces would have made a really long video! I'm going to keep messing with them because I think they could be great for teaching at school.

[@nauseaism]

I have to second the idea of having a suitable mouthpiece for legere reeds. The Austrian and German mouthpiece makers I play have a specific facing of their mouthpieces especially for legere reeds. My personal issues with legere reeds have mostly been finding a match which works intonation wise. I really enjoyed the setup of this test!

[@nauseaism]

Was it the European signature cut?

[@mdickinson]

How many different cuts does Legere make now? When I first tried them there was just one, but a few years ago I tried them again and there was regular cut and Quebec cut. One thing that's worth noting is that I have always needed to go down by 1/4 of a strength or even 1/2 a strength. So while I play 3.5 reeds on both clarinet and alto saxophone, when I play a Legere I need either as 3 or 3.25.

[@rayzhang5551]

for clarinet: Legere classic, Legere signature, and Legere european signature. for sax: Legere classic, Legere studio cut, and Legere signature

[@whackacole3]

I’m a flute... I don’t understand the concepts reeds... Why am I watching this?

[@ChrisFarrell]

The thing with the Legeres is they just always work. I have friends who play them because it gives them confidence they can’t always be sure of with cane, and confidence in the tools is obviously a big deal (I actually wonder if this is why professionals seem to be switching - the very high consistency and reliability is just more valuable than a slight tone quality loss?). I have two Legeres in my case for when the environment is weird (usually outside) and nothing else is working, or when my best cane reeds are already waterlogged from playing all day, or whatever. I was nonetheless surprised by the fact that I could ID the cane almost all the time (I got all the Bb tests, almost all the bass) just because the sound slightly lacked the richness and roundness of cane, at least as recorded and on my headphones. They’re getting really close, but for me they aren’t quite there yet and I’ll live with my V21s and associated hassles and wait for the next version of the synthetics.

[@kevinngo9138]

Reeds are a very personal thing, what they think of those reeds might be completely different to others. Personally I run legere signature 3.5 on clarinet and 3.25 on bass clarinet. However I do hop between legere and vandoren v12 3.5 for both bass clarinet and clarinet. In the end i do prefer the legere reeds just because they work for me. And here in Canada where it's a heat storm one day and a snow storm the next (and my inability to work on reeds) my cane reeds don't always make the sound I want where the legere reeds will work in any condition.

[@earspasm]

Absolutely! Like I've said to a few other commenters, this is all a very personal thing. I'm not telling anyone to change what they use, nor am I saying "I'm right." - Just giving my 2¢ as usual.

[@krane15]

Reed may be personal, but the sound they produce isn't. If it sticks out like a sore thumb (especially on a clarinet), EVERYBODY will know it.

[@madelinegreen6145]

i dont even play a wind instrument... but after the first round i got all of them right 😂😂 i can just really hear the difference

[@richardriverajr1955]

"now its not behaving" haha, yup, my entire life

[@alexambroise111]

Quick question : did you use the chart to get the equivalent strength or did you kind of blind shoot it? I sometimes wonder if the "thinner, less core-ey" sound comes from a strength difference or the actual material

[@RocktCityTim]

You two should recut this vid after getting used to the Legeres. Once you get your embouchure used to the smaller adjustments that plastic/nylon requires, you might be quite surprised at how much more consistent the Legeres are from reed to reed. Just sitting down with any new reed cut - even bamboo, takes some getting used to. Also, try going down 1/2 stiffness. Disclamer - I also play Van Doren on my Yamaha (4) and Buffet Crampon (3.5).

[@rayzhang5551]

I'm in the process of switching to Legere European Signature reeds on the Bb permanently. I've been very patient with the Legeres, going from strength 3.25 to 4.25 in quarter strength increments, and taking 1-2 weeks to try them before returning. In my experience, these reeds also have a break-in period: it take at least a week for the reeds to play how it will for the rest of it's "reed-life."Start with a reed that is slightly harder, and after the break-in, it'll soften up a bit and be perfect for you. The best strength Legere to get is the hardest strength you can play on without getting a fuzzy sound in any dynamic and range on the clarinet

[@stepheniansavage]

Ray Zhang When I first switched to plastic, I felt the exact same way (I was on a 4.25 looking to switch to 4.5). But I noticed, with the help of my teacher, that I was just working to hard to get a sound. I was looking for the same type of resistance to blow against that cane reeds have in abundance, but instead I was getting overly resistant reeds that were mismatched to my mouthpiece. I played on and then switched to 3.75 and now I'm playing on 3.5-3.25. Once I stopped biting the reed the sound was so full and easy to produce, it wad kinda scary. Anyway, that's just my 2¢.

[@ilyakarakotov4065]

Ray Zhang where do you buy reeds that you can return?

[@rayzhang5551]

you can return the Legeres that you buy from Amazon. I've done it countless times. Yes you won't get 2-day shipping, but I could care less since money is more important to me.

[@ilyakarakotov4065]

Ray Zhang do you get a full refund?

[@rayzhang5551]

yes you do!

[@weirdmiggy]

The only reason I don't use plastic is I don't like the feeling of the plastic reed on my tongue.

[@aboveaveragebayleaf9216]

I'd be curious to see you try some of the different synthetic reeds with different mouthpieces. Just a comparison between synthetic. I definitely don't like all of them. Some are a bit stuffy to me, but I found the legere American cut works really well with my jazz alto setup. Also you might need a lower strength to have a similar feel.

[@mqrswii3255]

Your shirts are my MOOD 😂 I play Bb clarinet and bass clarinet 😂

[@skylarbeneck2906]

Oh my gosh that song played was my honor band audition music (for oboe) and I had to play it much faster... it was awful but I got in

[@rikspector]

I still prefer cane reeds. I use the Ridenour method to prepare them and have found that each reed has it's own pros and cons but i can tweak them for maximum performance. They also have a more flexible dynamic range which adds more emotion. Thanks for the demo. Rik spector

[@OkaTaNiya]

The bass clarinet that you played sounds so much different from mine

[@SingleReedPitRat]

I like Legeres, except . . . on bass clarinet, where I just don't like the sound. For soprano clarinet, the European cut is much better and to me seems like it would usally be about the 2nd-3rd best reed in a box of cane, certainly good enough for rehearsals and, often, concerts. On thing that hasn't been mentioned is that Legeres are an absolute Godsend for pit work. I like the sound of Legeres on sax, but more importantly, you often need to pick up a horn that has been sitting for 20++ minutes and come in on an exposed part - with a Legere, you know it's going to work. This past summer, I had 6 horns in a pit and used Legeres on 5 of them (including bass clarinet, really no alternative).

[@stairunderscore]

I need one of those shirts video is good too btw

[@ChrisFarrell]

I’d be curious to see what the overtones of the two types of reeds looked like, in one of those tests you ran with mouthpieces a few years back. I think the sound of cane is noticeably richer and I think I can tell, but I’d be curious if there really is something there or if I’m just fooling myself 😀

[@krane15]

You're not fooling yourself; here is something there. But the question is whether or not its significant. Especially when you consider that each instrument varies based on the workmanship and quality and type of material. And finally, the player.

[@Julia-ic3jf]

Is there any clarinetist that can help? My clarinet sounds wonky when it plays high B or C. They sound the same! It has never happened before, and I have always been able to play those notes. If you know how to fix it, or can give me any advice, please reply to this comment!

[@larryli7015]

maybe one of your "springs" came loose. This happened to me 2 years ago when one of the small metal bars unclicked so when i played open g it would sound like f sharp. just check if all the small metal bar things are clicked. sorry it's kinda hard to explain.

[@dvorpo]

One of your tone holes is blocked. Its either a left index finger hole or a register tube. Clean it-them

[@tompuwalski930]

I picked out the the Bb plastic legere, by slight flatness in the throat tones. I find I have pitch problems on all Legere reeds on Bb clarinet, Signatures, Euroes, and Soprano Sax. I would love to know why.

[@whoitisnot]

In my rather limited experience, I find a double lip embouchure problematic on Legere reeds in ways it never is with single lip. I'm primarily a single lip player, but I am comfortable with and use both.

[@rayzhang5551]

It's not a matter of double lip: I mostly play double lip but occasionally single lip. no difference in pitch. but different reeds just tune differently, it's not a surprise. I find Steuers to be slightly sharper than the Vandorens in my opinion. probably due to the Steuers being slightly thicker than the Vandorens, and making me pinch more without realizing? For me, the Legere is actually more in tune than any other cane reed. Especially throat tones and chalumeau. Maybe you feel it's flat because it is much thinner than most cane reeds? Try curling your bottom lip more, or tighten it more. If that closes off the reed, get a Legere a quarter-strength higher, and that should solve the problem.

[@gmofftarki]

I'm a bass trombonist, and I could tell MUCH better than random guessing on the Soprano Clarinet side. For the bass clarinet, it was only really obvious for me on the Rite of Spring solo, but for that one in particular, it was clear as day which was which. I think on bass clarinet, you could probably get away with the plastic reeds most of the time, perhaps only switching to cane for particular repertoire. For soprano- no way, play wood or the audience is going to know.

[@nr3rful]

I use Leger reeds and will never go back to cane reeds......ever

[@tiny-orange1531]

nr3rful Same, Legere Signature 3 Masterace.

[@mathijslemmens9727]

same

[@JahzelSamuels]

Same. Bass clarinet player here.

[@tiny-orange1531]

Honey Darling Sugar Bumkin Sweetheart I use them on both.

[@tiny-orange1531]

Honey Darling Sugar Bumkin Sweetheart Sam Ash, WWBW and Music and Arts are were I usually buy mine.

[@EricFontaineJazz]

Even though they might not quite play as well, the strong point of plastic reeds is their consistency from day-to-day since they aren't influenced by weather, so you don't waste time and money and stress finding a good reed. Sometimes that is more important.

[@earspasm]

So true.

[@katherinecooke8685]

I've been trying them with some of my students this week and I have some very happy campers. These kids have auditions soon and they need stability.

[@echo1766]

yeah her name is ms. cooke and shes my 6th grade music teacher

[@zavier3644]

Interesting

[@bobblues1158]

I use Legere exclusively , but on saxes. One has to warm them up for 2-3 minutes. One should also find mouthpieces that play well with Legere. On sax there are 3 models of Legere reeds. I have this problem solved and go to my gigs totally confident in my reed situation. WHAT A RELIEF!!!! If I play long gigs, i will rotate reeds. I use a system to see how many gigs i have played on each reed. For me , the Legere on tenor can split on the tip if i´m really working extreme altissimo- into the 5th octave. I will practice that kind of thing on reeds that are past their prime. Throw out all preconceptions and really explore the possibilities!

[@AKIPOPOPOPOOON]

Thanks for the very informative video! This was burning a hole in my mind, and now I know what to choose!

[@travisjohnson7202]

As a self-taught beginner, I’m finding the Legere “European cut” 3.0 strength on a Yamaha 4C works well enough for me. The thing I hear about plastic reeds is that they’re supposed to be good for slap tonguing.

[@saxmusicmail]

I've done numerous tests with mouthpieces and instruments over the years, blind tests, students and teachers both as players and listeners. Many times the listeners could not tell a difference, or guessed wrong. When they could tell a difference, they often could not say that one was "better" than the other, just different, at least with the products we were testing.

[@stevenkelly5030]

As a listener, the difference was probably less than you felt as a player. I've been using Legeres for several years now. I sometimes feel like I can't get the volume I want, but for me it's worth the trade off of not spending a couple of hours a week searching for the right reed.

[@jon11383]

I guessed them all right lmao

[@felicityduran6547]

How long does a plastic reed last. One of my reeds usually last, max 3-4 weeks

[@amhanson_]

A few months, maybe 5-6

[@michaelbasave5924]

The tune they played for articulation is the same piece I played for my bass clarinet auditions

[@kthybrown007]

I am a "doubler", and often play in musical pit orchestras (community). For my flat reeds, I nearly always use Legere reeds because they will play right away even when cold and dry. I have been really happy with them. They are also good for teaching because you can just pick up the instrument and play. My double reeds are hand made though.

[@MatthewBanks100]

Acknowledging that this request may be a ludicrous waste of your time or money, could you order a custom Bb (or god forbid A) bass clarinet from the Canadian maker Steven Fox and make a video about that instrument please?

[@IamUncledeuce]

Just going through a carton of cane and inspecting them for suitability is reason enough to choose the more uniform synthetic. So a move towards uniformity at all times is a plus in my book. Tone? In solo work, perhaps cane. But synthetic is so... set and forget. I can't help but prefer synthetic reeds in the great majority of circumstances.

[@amybowling1]

I love his shirt😂😂🤣🤣

[@Liutgard]

The plastic reeds have a smooth, almost blank feel to them. It's like, where is the wood in the woodwind? I much prefer the more organic, resonant tone of the cane reeds. Many years ago, I got to be the guinea pig trying out a plastic reed on the bassoon. it definitely felt different in the mouth, and was not giving the range of tone I was accustomed to. I stuck with the cane, even though the plastic was cheaper. Sometimes cheaper is not worth it.

[@carolynking4828]

I'm perfectly happy playing my clarinet with Vandoren 2.5 reeds as they make a very mellow sound. I don't think that I would want to change to plastic ones as they have a harsh sound that I don't like. Thank you very much for this very informative video you both. Very helpful and enjoyable to watch. I will be getting my clarinet out again this week. Can you do a video on preventing squeaks? I have a consistent problem, which I think is caused by my fingers not covering holes properly, but it might be something else. Also I often find that the note B often doesn't speak, it's very temperamental and annoying!! Thank you both very much and have a lovely day.

[@salmon-youtube]

Wow I guessed the same as him and was also wrong lol!

[@MrSmoothvideos]

5:59 is an interesting freeze frame...

[@RoseCadenza]

I've tried both cane and plastic reeds. I'd prefer cane reeds over plastic any day. To be honest, I would not use a plastic reed again. I've been using Peter Leuthner reeds for the past 1 and a half years, and I love them. Plastic reeds, like Léger, don't have much tone quality at all. They're harder to play. And they're not very good at responding. This is just my opinion.

[@jennatimm7426]

That piece is part of my all state audition next week and I'm triggered (the first one)

[@mayamachine]

That wood reed was grown on the south side of a hill in northern Italy, and the plastic reed was a recycled milk jug, 2% milk I'm sure.

[@rezzab]

I have been a sax/clarinet jazz player for a long time, I have tried plastic reeds three times over the years and I could never get on with them, they don’t flex as well as cane reeds for bending notes, and I can’t get a good tone, I know some saxophone players who swear by plastic reeds. Of course being a jazz player I solo a lot and one of my bands is just me and a rhythm section so it’s solo clarinet all the time, if you play in a band where you don’t solo and are reading with others in a group the plastic reed should do the job and of course if your playing in the clarinet section of a marching band nobody hears you as an individual anyway.

[@and7barton]

I gave those plastic reeds a good test over some time. The thing that I hated was the "buzz" sensation on the lips. The sound, nothing I could put my finger on, but preferred the cane.

[@felicityduran6547]

I still really like the cane's reed tone and dark sound. But finding a good reed, is quite annoying

[@davidbee8178]

"Plastic" does not convey the high tech nature of the Légère reeds . . . in fact they are made of a high grade non toxic polymer (used in food packaging etc) called Polypropylene. This test was very interesting and shows that once a player gets used to the new dynamic and feel of the Légère reeds, they can sound really excellent. And no, I don't work for Légère LOL! When professional level players like Ricardo Morales and Corrado Giuffredi et al use them ... In any case, they are without doubt THE dream practice reed and then if you don't feel that they have that "elusive" cane feel and sound then you can always use a cane reed in a performance situation - BUT it'll have to be IMHO one of those "perfect" reeds to beat a Légère :-) The mind is like a parachute . . . works best when open :-) Worth a try! What's cool is that if you go to the Légère.com site you will see how to judge the strength of their reeds in relation to some well known cane reeds - AND they have a reed "swap" policy in case the one you choose is too strong or weak etc. I'd recommend their Signature Series European cut - happy playing !! BTW, they ARE expensive - about $30.00 for ONE reed! BUT with proper care, they will EASILY last MONTHS - especially if you buy two and rotate them.

[@alexstrader5007]

#realmenplaycane

[@chrispbakin7623]

#realmenplaybrass

[@shirasaliraz5436]

It's cool. Professional wind players across every genre plays on these reeds.

[@snaccmuffin9491]

#realmen

[@nomorebushz]

I tested the Fibercane Oboe Reed for 25 years. The manufacturer neglected the upkeep of the tooling which was extremely complicated and labor-intensive. Wholesaled to Selmer, in Elkhart Indiana and they distributed these reeds all over the United States. and parts of Europe.The schools don’t invest in oboe players anymore. I still make professional oboe reeds. They were actually very excellent reeds for beginning oboists, since they played consistently. I had my first one in 1966 or 1967 at 11 or 12 years old. Some plastic reeds have their merits.

[@Guardmuscian2013]

I'll need to purchase the plastic clarinet reeds, but I'm different. For Soprano clarinet, I use D'addario Reserve Classic 3.5+ reeds and for Bass, Contra, Tenor Sax, and Bari Sax, I use plastic reeds.

[@jimil-anne6607]

I’m not a fan of the Legere reeds at all. I was running into the same issues you described with your bass clarinet- but I experienced those problems on both my soprano and bass clarinets. I’m a purist with my Vandoren reeds (I use V-12s). However, a friend of mine suggested I try Silverstein Works reeds. I like them (so far) in past two months I’ve used them. I noticed they have a synthetic reed called Alta Ambipoly, and they claim to be a synthetic reed that sounds like a cane reed. They only have this reed available for Bb soprano clarinet, but I actually like it! I have two of them right now and they have a surprisingly bright and resonant sound! I use them for gigs when I am playing more “pop-ish” stuff that requires me to play a little brighter. I’m still a purist when playing concert band or orchestra literature though, and I’ll keep playing my cane reeds there. Have you tried Silverstein Works yet? I’m curious to know your thoughts.

[@luvizia]

I love what you guys are wearing. I need to buy it😂

[@prestonwoods8197]

Why am I watching this? I'm barely a guitar player.

[@etienneyitian]

I got a légère European signature size 3,5 recently. The sound was far better that the 'classic' signature Reed! Did you try them in that video ?

[@RocktCityTim]

Where have you guys been living? Under a trumpet player's case? I was using nylon reeds in 1976. Solved the biggest predicament for a marching band clarinetist - good clarion registry response while maintaining great lows - no squeaks at high knee 8 to 5!

[@kevindeibert3369]

cane was terrible back in the mid-80's so I switched to Bari synthetic reeds for a while. Legere's didn't exist back then but they did have other brands like Rico Plex and Fibercell. I eventually went back to cane when the crops improved

[@Markworth]

I had a friend in HS that used a plastic reed on his Alto Sax for marching band. Sounded alright and was stupid loud.

[@lesliefranklin1870]

"Plastic doesn't have that 'bark'". Who would have thought that wood would have "bark"? 😀

[@dubzmusic4255]

I cant even play that high I need to work on that lol

[@unicornfeather6848]

DubzMusic bhbbbbbhjbbbjjbjjbbjjbjjbjjjjbjbbjjj

[@klarinetta]

Sorry I'm not sure if I already commented on this video. For me I can imnediatelly tell that the plastic reeds are lacking the overtones. They do not stand up to my best V-12 reeds and I've tried these Legere reeds as well as over 20 other brands of cane reeds including some very expensive handmade ones. V-12 stands out. I'm still yet to try the V-21 cut out from all of Vandoren's Bb bohem range.

[@lossfound]

Beginner/non-wind player but trained musician and multi-instrumentalist here. The differences, at least from the perspective of the listener and/or your Tascam mics, aren't quite what you end up describing on camera. I have no doubt in my mind that you're accurately describing the physical feedback coming back off the mouthpiece. But in the listener chair with full concentration and eyes closed, it's impossible to reconcile comments like "the Legere can't handle much air" with the actual demo examples provided, in which the Legeres don't seem to respond all that differently in timbre or attack onset to their cane compats. Might be very different hearing it in the room too, but I was very hard pressed to consistently differentiate the Legeres from the cane reeds in any of these examples even on multiple replay. I'd be tempted to chalk up any if not most audible differences between examples to slight differences in performance, which are surely impossible to avoid... especially when rapid-swapping significant components of your rig like this!

[@jeffdarrohn5284]

Good comparisons. I have used Legere depending on bad playing environments with success, however, Legere needs to keep working on their clarinet reeds. The alto and soprano sax Legere reeds I have had great success with and no one can tell the difference between them and Red Java. Baritone sax and bass clarinet I often use Fibracell, especially for big band work. Tenor sax...only real cane. Cheers!

[@mikeshirk1137]

As a clarinet and saxophone player, I still prefer playing my cane reeds - when they cooperate! As a band teacher, I love Legere reeds when the students find the right one. Think about it this way: As an individual player, what are the odds of finding the perfect cane reed in the 60 seconds you have to get ready for class? Now, what are the odds of every clarinet and saxophone player in your band finding the perfect reed in that same amount of time? Legere reeds may not be buttery and rich enough for your next solo recital, but I sure love not having to hunt through the band looking for the kid with the cane reed that's chipped, warped, fuzzy, worn-out, or not cooperating with the weather. In my opinion, Legere reeds sound more than good enough for section work at any level.

[@F.Wormsworth]

What happened to the good old fibercane reeds. They play even when (mildly) splintered: ) Last for years, quality so-so

[@gracegorman3306]

I have two Legiere plastic - 3 and 3/4 and a 4 - which are good for practice on the little Bb, but cane just has that bit extra for a performance. Plastic is too bloody expensive for the bass clarinet, so I won't even try it.

[@dcorbitt2493]

Have you compared the Fibrecell reeds? I really love them....I use a med. Or 2.5 Just got a med. Soft....surprised ....I think like it.. In my cost range.....$8-11. I rotate mine... have 3 mouthpieces..Some sound wonderful on low notes, some respond better on marches...I have played clarinet for 55 years...not thast good, but love my concert practices each week with the Willamette Valley Concert Band...Albany, Or. Buffet Crampon & Cie's....low Eb. Beautiful Girl....and Guttsie!

[@burritos1000]

I gave my daughter a Fibrecell reed. Just one. I can't tell the difference without doing A/B comparison, though. The best part about it was the cost savings in not replacing broken wood reeds. She has about a dozen broken wood reeds vs. one still-good "plastic" reed that she's been playing for over a year now. She's 11 yrs old.

[@Gabriel-id4wy]

I play violin so ya i have no idea what your talking about throw this whole video

[@theswedishmusicstudio]

The european cut really works for me on a vandoren bd4 mpc. The signature sounds like s**t. Plastic sound and stiff feeling. Its the same on the bass. Would love for Legere to put out a european cut bass reed.

[@Phoenixspin]

I'm really afraid that the plastic reeds will end up in a turtle's nose. :-(

[@ZomBeeNature]

As a non-musician I cannot tell the difference. No one will care which you use.

[@jr_177]

I use 2.5 when I play my clarinet!

[@henrischwank1796]

I Play 1.5 reeds because i Play Many Solos with c4 and its easy to Play With 1.5 Reed for hight notes

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

Assuming I knew how to play the Nuvo Dood, and wanted to move to wooden reeds. How do I choose one which would fit?

[@radosam8415]

I play Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, and alto and tenor saxophone. I've done a lot of playing and messing around with reeds the past couple months. But for just where I live I find for me at least legere has proven to dominate in most categories. Except for when I played orchestral alto saxophone. That's when I found that the blue box for me was way better than the legere reeds I used. I did find however that I must agree with you, I find that for bass clarinet the reeds just don't do it. I think that the saxophone reeds are way better developed to play rather than the clarinet reeds. I hope to see them improve however because my God are they convenient.

[@kevinburrows7420]

The Legere European Cut Bass Clarinet reeds are steps ahead of both the signature and classic versions. Could you please repeat the comparison with wood and perhaps the American Cut Tenor Sax reeds.

[@ethancampbell9096]

I think the dynamic construct was better on the wood reeds, but not significantly. Articulation was almost the same, but kind of different

[@claudeacosta9992]

Bruh I’m not even a wind player...I’m a percussionist. What am I doin here yo?

[@alexbuffa2888]

The plastic is better out of the box, but with the variability of wooden reeds, you must take the time to prepare the reeds and care for them. To get a true test, take the time to hydrate the Reed for a few minutes, balance the Reed with sand paper or Reed knife, and close the wooden pores by rubbing the back and front of the Reed with a paper grocery bag. It is a lot of work, but you will get the best sound and also preserve the Reed for a longer period of time. The plastic Reed is perfect in regard to balance, unlike the out of the box wooden Reed. A lot of time and measuring went into the creation of the plastic Reed. To have a better test: take some time to prepare the wood. Thanks for doing the test and making the video. Like people have said, plastic is good for marching band or in a pinch, but I think a good balanced Reed will produce more overtones and therfore have a better tone.

[@markgaddie6290]

At our school it is a requirement fir saxes and clarinets to have Legere reeds in the marching band.