Reeds for Caravan and Pomarico tenor pieces

[Eulipion2]

Hello, I just purchased a Caravan tenor piece (should be here by Tuesday) and I was wondering what kind of reeds you Caravan users found work best. Also, I've been using a Pomarico crystal tenor piece for a while, but the only reeds I've been able to make work are Hemkes. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[DocSax]

You're looking for a classical setup, obviously....let's see...I don't play classical tenor at all, but on my alto (I use a Caravan also) I really like the Alexander Classiques. I used to play on Hemke, but they were so inconsistant for me that it just wasn't worth it. 1 or 2 in a box of 10 just doesn't cut it. Alexanders have 5 great players in a tin of 5, and they sound much better IMHO. Of course, my concept of a classical sound is ultra dark, very mellow, super controlled, and no buzz.

BOTTOM LINE: different reeds play differently for different players. Experiment for yourself. Depending on how much $$ you've got, try Alexanders (classque, superial, and DC), try Hemkes, try Vandorens (blue box, v16, etc), try LaVoz, try anything that you can get your hands on. I highly recommend the Alexanders...

[woodwindmaster06]

How does the Pomarico Crystal play, I have been looking into buying one, can you tell me what you like, what you don't like.

[Eulipion2]

The Pomarico crystal has an open chamber. It has a clear tone (a clear body as well!) and altissimo and multiphonics are pretty easy. It's very responsive, and the dynamics are great! The only thing I don't really like about it is that (for me, anyway) it's kinda picky about reeds. I've found that Hemkes work the best, and Reeds Australia reeds are pretty good, too.

[woodwindmaster06]

What other reeds have you tried on them that did not work, and wwbw.com has two model number 3 and 4 which one did you pick.

[Eulipion2]

I've tried Vandoren traditionals and Javas, Glotin Groove and GIII, Alexander Classiques, Reeds Australia Vintage, Hemkes, and Rico Jazz Select. Among them, Hemkes, then Reeds Australia, then Javas.

[supersax54]

I play a Pomarico Crystal piece on my soprano, and have found that 2 or 2.5 Rico Royal reeds work really well. I don't know if they will work for your tenor, but you might want to give them a shot. On the piece itself, I love it and its versatility. For example I have used the same setup for both jazz concerts and chamber music type solo contests. It is a great piece, and I hope that you find some reeds that will work for you. And if the Pomarico ends up not working for you, but you are still looking for a great "legit" piece I have a vintage tenor C* that is in excellent shape that I might be willing to trade or sell.

My Addresses:
kiel_kiel@hotmail.com
supersax54@hotmail.com

[Quijote]

Eulipion2, how do Australia Vintage reeds' strengths compare to other common brands :?:

[Mike Ruhl]

Intersting that Hemkes and Reeds Australia Vintages work best. Both have short vamp cuts.

[Eulipion2]

Reeds Australia and Hemke reeds are about the same strengthwise. RA might be a *little bit* harder than Hemke. They last longer, too.

[Quijote]

thanx :D

[-TH]

This thread seems quite old but I'll post my reply anyway.. :o

I have a crystal Pomarico for tenor. Can't remember the tip opening but it equals to 6* Link. Maybe it's a classical mpc but I use it for jazz. It sounds like a HR Link but bit brighter. LaVoz reeds seem to work well on it.

Tuomas

[Vortex]

I've got a crystal Pomarico 3 for alto and found that I especially like Alexander Classique 2's or 2.5's depending on setting. The facing on these is pretty short, which is why short vamp-cuts work well, but personally I like a medium-long length. Hemke's are good too, but seem to be a little too dark and less responsive than Classiques. Another very good pick would be Vandoren 2.5's, but as we all know these are kind of a grab-bag when it comes to finding a good one. I've tried Grand Concert selects and so far I find them to be very inconsistent (unbalanced, very poor file jobs) and lacking a sonorous tone.

This is just advice for alto, but it probably applies to tenor as well. Stay away from Hemkes and GC's unless you like going through a box for a couple good reeds. Classiques are definately my first recommendation.