[JimD]

I know this has been asked before but there don't seem to be many replies and they've been around a bit longer now. I have the usual basic questions; what do you think of them and, most importantly, how do they compare in terms of strength. I've read in a couple of places that the tenors are around a half strength softer you'd expect, although I suppose that depends upon what you expect. Roberto's chart unfortunately contradicts this wisdom. They're a bit pricey to take a completely uninformed flyer on them. Maybe that's why there have been so few responses in the past. I'm wanting to compare them to DC 3s. Thanks in anticipation.

 

[Seasax]

i found the altos about a whole number too soft, but i can get them for just over $20 a box at the moment

 

[JimD]

So, do I take it that nobody is playing these except SearjeantSax?

 

[Chicken 'Lil]

I've tried about 10 boxes on tenor and soprano. They are good. They last a bit longer than others and they have a nice feel to them. I don't think that they are generally worth the money. I've read that they are a half size softer but that isn't my experience. They are different that the DC's. I like them better, but I don't like the Alexanders at all.

 

[52nd Street]

Francois Louis reeds

I've played about three boxes of them (tenor #3,5)

Yes, I find that they do last longer than most reeds. No, in my experience they do not run half a size softer than others brands.

I can honestly say that all Francois Louis reeds I tried were excellent players.

 

[milandro]

I've tried 2....not boxes just two reeds! Got them for free, as a sample.
they are OK, nothing to write home about, more or less the same strength and quality as Alexander DC. I use 3 this were 3,5 and are not far off.

 

[kavala]

I've played about three boxes of them (tenor #3,5)

Yes, I find that they do last longer than most reeds. No, in my experience they do not run half a size softer than others brands.

I can honestly say that all Francois Louis reeds I tried were excellent players.

My experience exactly. They work well with the JJ DV NY.

 

[Thomas]

The FL reeds are identical to the reeds sold under Roberto's name at his shop-they are made by Rigotti.....Roberto's brand is signifigantly less expensive but still $30.00+ per box(tenor)-they're fine-I'm not all that picky about reeds-I've used DCs and Superials for years but I'm equally happy with a RR . Reeds are generally a crapshoot at any price. I went to Roberto's specifically to buy the FL reeds and after visual comparison went with Robertos-can't remember the price difference but it must've been pretty good because I'm not cheap but don't want to throw the $$ away either.