Hey guys, OK, so I`ve kind of been irresponsible by not practicing this summer, so of course my once-heavenly-perfect-in-every-way (well almost) tone on the clarinet has gone out the window. And I have like three important auditions within the next two months...and I`ve heard about these new 56 reeds that Vandoren makes that supposedly have the warmest, most well-rounded sound possible. Could I possibly compensate for my lacking tone with these new reeds? I play about a 4 on the Vandoren V-12 so what should I get on the 56? And just incase I wanna try the German and Austrian White and Black Masters (even though they probably won`t work out with my mouthpiece) what sizes should I get in them? Thanks!

You should get your normal size. The number is just the strength of the reed. It`s not a size difference like in dress sizes or something. Some reeds are shaped differently (based on the co. that produced them), but they maintain that same shape in every size. Size 4? Is that what you said? How long have you been playing? My teacher told me never to go past a size 2 1/2. Well, hope this helps.

Your teacher told you to never go pasta 2 1/2?!?!?! Is your teachera clarinet player. I don`t know about you but I started on a 2 1/2 and the idea is aftera while playing on it your embochure gets tighter and better and then you move up, the harder the read that you can play on the better the tone, but if it too hard for you it will sound crappy. I know a few proffessional clarinet players that play 5 1/2 so I think your teacher is a dumbo. I myself play a 4. I don`t know what they were thinking telling you to never go past a 2 1/2.

if 2 1/2 is right for you stick to it but a reed that is too soft might mean bad intonation or squeeks. i use a vandoren 3

Well, that was my old teacher.He played clarinet, but not often. Like twice in the two years i had him as a teacher he played clarinet. Could that really be why I`m squeaking? The size? I noticed it`s lessened (sp?) and my new teacher says my tone`s improving. Maybe I`ll ask him on Thursday at lessons.

might be the reed , try a harder reed and see if it makes any difference to the squeeks

so are these reeds as great as they sound? I need some. do they change your tone any?

i havent tried 56 yet they dont seem to be in the shops in engaland but i have used the v12 and they do sound quite different to trad.