Alexander reeds

[Di]

Hi everyone,

I know the subject of Alexander reeds has been done to death, but I hope someone will help with my question.
I am playing on a selmer soloist 'F'(new version) with a vandoren V16 , strength 2.
I like the sound, but the reed is not as responsive as I would like.

I have tried an Alexander DC strength 2 1/2 , which has great response and playability, but is very bright and perhaps has too little resistance, although it doesnt clamp up. My question is, would a DC 3 give the same response, but with a warmer , darker sound or should I try either the Superial, Classique, or both and if so, what strength?

After all the good things I've heard I really would like to try Alexanders, and I realise that I only tried 1 reed which won't really give me a fair assessment.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Diane. :roll:

[sax_appeal]

I have the same problem with alexender DC reeds too! I would suggest getting a couple of each reed. If you have only tried one DC it is not much to go by, there will always be duds no matter what reed you use.

[Markus]

I think you should try the Classics of Alexander. They are not as buzzy as the other Alexander reeds. But keep in mind they are harder. 2 1/2 Classics are like 3 DC's.

[TJS]

I am having the exact same problem. I recently tried 2 1/2's and feel the same way. I am considering trying DC 3's or Classique 2 1/2's.

Diane, you should email the company. I did so yesterday and they sent me a long response asking further questions about my set up, etc. and seem like they really want to help.

[Vortex]

I think the DC's have more "bright buzz" than the Superials or Classiques. Classiques are darker sounding, but realize that with your setup you'll probably get more of a classical sound - they darken everything up, but you could get a pretty fat dark sound with them with the right setup. Superials will be brighter but "clean", if it's the buzz that's turning you off - less edge, but more higher partials. You mentioned there isn't enough resistance, so go up a half strength. Or just clip the ones you have. That can make all the difference.

[Di]

I've just borrowed a Super Session F, I haven't tried it yet. I don't know if there will be much of a difference from the Soloist. I have a Meyer 7 which I keep being drawn back to, but it sounds a bit thin on the higher notes. I'll try clipping and see what that does to the sound.
Thanks

[Sigmund451]

Setups make a huge difference. On my martin with a Barone Jazz I find the following to be true:

DCs are more textured and brighter (V16s are moreso however)
Classiques are the brightest of the bunch but dont carry the heavy texture.
Superials are like a really good Java, a darker, smoother and more round.

[TJS]

I just got another email from Superial, this one from Tom Alexander. He is very helpful and I find it refreshing to be able to communicate with someone at the company to work on a solution. He recommended that I try the DC 3's instead of the 2 1/2's.

[Di]

Hi
Ok, so I have clipped my 2 1/2 DC and it plays very well now. It has a great mellow sound,with just the right spread for my liking, although the response is not quite as good as it was. Does this mean that I should go for the DC 3?
The guys at Alexander suggest that I go for a Classique 2 1/2 or 3, I don't know if thats much help or not. Are Classique reeds a little harder than DC's?
Sorry for all the questions. I think I'll buy a box of each, but which strength etc. Its going to cost me mega!!

Thanks
Di :?

[Sigmund451]

You will likely get a different sound. Id go up in DC strength if thats the reed you like. The Classiqe has a heavier heart and is cut very differently. The response curve is very different as well. Good reed but different than the DC.