I played Bass Clarinet in a teacher wind ensemble a years ago. I was using 3/3.5 reeds - It felt very clarinet-y and not very pleasant. It seemed like it should have been easier. So a year goes by and I purchase a used Vandoren B45 Mouthpiece. Just last week I thought I give bass clarinet another try to I got a Bundy for $166 on E-bay.
On a whim, I had a Legere Studio 1 1/2 Reed (not sure why I had this reed but it was in my drawer) so I put this on the B45 and BAM - the instrument was effortless - High - Low no worries. Now 1 1/2 is a little too soft so I ordered a 2 to see if I can get a bit more meat in the sound while retaining the ease of play.
I guess I would never have thought to go to the soft side with bass clarinet.
On a whim, I had a Legere Studio 1 1/2 Reed (not sure why I had this reed but it was in my drawer) so I put this on the B45 and BAM - the instrument was effortless - High - Low no worries. Now 1 1/2 is a little too soft so I ordered a 2 to see if I can get a bit more meat in the sound while retaining the ease of play.
I guess I would never have thought to go to the soft side with bass clarinet.