[bluesaxgirl]

I'm really interested in what people are saying about Legere reeds. I am very close in purchasing one for the fact that they last for a prolonged period. Before I make an investment on something that exspensive (I heard these reeds are around $20!), I would like to know just about everything on it.

What is the average of how long these reeds last?
In your opinion, what is the sound quality of these reeds (dark, bright, buzzy)
Can you get these reeds at your average music store?

Thank you in advance forum members.

 

[SactoPete]

I have a couple that I use for practice as they are always ready to go (no soaking required) and as you say last indefinitely. Personally, I think that while their sound is pretty good (better than other synthetics that I've tried), there's something not right about the sound when you are playing them (I qualify that, as I don't know if the listener could hear the same difference... my head and thus my inner ear are connected to the sax/reed so I get a different experience than the listener), which keeps me from using them for when I want the "right" sound, whatever that is.

One thing to note for you - they run really hard. I'd recommend getting a good 1/2 strength less than you usually play, maybe more depending on the reed you use.

Pete

 

[Bernards20040]

I use Legere reeds and have for about 18 months I am on my third reed, they do last a long time.
the strength is different and you should check the legere strength charts (on thier website)
However if you get a strength that doesn't work for you you can send it back to them and they will exchange it until you find the right strength.

the thing i like is they are consistant and there is no messing around just slap them on and play

 

[Blowhard2]

Legere / Fibracell/ Fibereed Synthetic Tenor Reeds

Reed selection is such a personal choice, so I shall tread carefully!- For several years, I persevered with V16 and Alexander superial reeds on my tenor ( mostly 2.5 strength). I then moved onto Fibrecell, and found them consistent ( and long lived). At my repairer's suggestion , I tried Legere, but found them too "resistant " in similar strength ( so maybe a softer reed would have been better ) . I then tried Fiberreed MS and have used them exclusively until recently ( on 100/115 Mp's), when I moved onto their Carbon version - these last for ages, have the right "feel" for me, and play the same, "straight from the box" - they do everything that I, as an amateur player can ask !

Blowhard2

 

[BYOB]

Few things you should know about Legere reeds:

The regular Legere cut plays 1/2 a strength harder, and the studio cut plays 1/2 a strength softer.
The sound quality is ok on them. For me, it's a really classical sound, not really dark but not too bright either. It's definently not as good as a "good cane reed", but for all purposes, practice with Legere's a good idea. They're good for synthetics, and while they dont have the same "oomph" as regular reeds, they still play well.

But yeah, they're quite resistent for me, both the regular cut and the studio cut.

 

[Rackety Sax]

If you want to know more, search the forum, as there are several threads that discuss these.

To answer some of your specific questions, no, you will not find them at a typical music store. You'll have to check an online retailer such as 1stopclarinet or Muncy Winds. They won't cost quite $20 but with shipping a single reed it might be that much. I had to try a number of different strengths to get the right strength, and I think Legere's policy is to exchange only one reed of the wrong strength, but check their website.

Short story, you will probably need a significant investment to determine if these are right for you with no guarantee beforehand that they are.

 

[Bernards20040]

no, you will not find them at a typical music store. You'll have to check an online retailer such as 1stopclarinet or Muncy Winds. They won't cost quite $20 but with shipping a single reed it might be that much.

I Adelaide we have three music shops which carry woodwinds and two of those carry Legere reeds in stock and good stocks too most sizes and types.
they retail for AU $29.00 here thats about $25.59 US. but then we get ripped of on anything to do with saxes