Alexander Classiques strength comparison.

[Di]

Hi
I just tried some Hemke 21/2 on alto and quite like them but would also like to try the Alexander Classiques after reading quite a few posts recommending them over the Hemke.
Can anyone give me an idea of which strength to get? I'm thinking a 3 may be comparable, as I think the Hemkes run quite hard.
The only comparison chart I can find with alexanders listed only shows the superials and I think these run soft anyway.
Thanks
Diane.

[Stacey]

Honestly, I think you should try 2.5, if you like 2.5 Hemkes.

You think Hemkes run hard, but I always thought they ran a bit soft.

Either way, hard or soft, I've played both Hemkes and Classiques on tenor, soprano, and I think alto, and in general I've found a 2.5 on one to be roughly equal to a 2.5 on the other.

Good luck!

[badfella518]

I think that if you like the 2.5 hemke try maybe even a 2 vandoren tarditional because hemke run a little soft. Hopes this helps!8-)

[Di]

Hi
I looked through my box of reeds and found a couple of classique 2 1/2. Surprisingly, they seemed softer (really quite buzzy) than the hemke and also softer than a V16 2 and a lavoz m/s.

I'm playing a JJ Esp .78 , and the Hemke and V16 2 both give me a round mellow sound, but bland somehow, not enough colour to the sound. I thought the Classiques may add a little more character.:dazed:

If anyone plays this mouthpiece and can help with suggestions it would be appreciated.
Thanks
Di

[ben easler]

The Alexanders seem softer than Vandorens. I dont know about Hemkes

[Mike Cesati]

Hemke and Classique will run about the same.

[Chris J]

Hi - resurrection of old thread as a search did not clear my confusion

For tenor I use vandoren Java 2 1/2. I want to try some Alexander Superials, possible DC.

Looking at comparison charts on the web (which all say the same thing, so either they are all correct, or are all copied from the same source and equally incorrect!...) they suggest that a Superial 2 lies in between a Java 2.5 and 3.

But when I went to Alexanders from vandoren on clarinet, there didn't seem to be much difference between them. Admittedly that was from a vandoren 56 which don't seem to feature on charts.

Could someone who has recently played Java and Alexander give their opinion as to how to compare strengths please?

Many thanks

[JimD]

DCs are a fraction softer than the same strength Javas but the reed is sturdier so you should be able to swap between them using same strength. For me DCs will generally blow easier and clearer than Javas from the off but Javas will eventually suddenly loosen up and get very much brighter and feel softer, the DCs tend to hold their strength and tone for longer in my experience. I play DC 3s, Java 3s and RSJ 3s at the moment (on tenor) and, apart from the different feels, can switch beween them without any problems with the strength.

[dave2sax]

DCs are a fraction softer than the same strength Javas but the reed is sturdier so you should be able to swap between them using same strength. For me DCs will generally blow easier and clearer than Javas from the off but Javas will eventually suddenly loosen up and get very much brighter and feel softer, the DCs tend to hold their strength and tone for longer in my experience. I play DC 3s, Java 3s and RSJ 3s at the moment (on tenor) and, apart from the different feels, can switch beween them without any problems with the strength.

I agree with all the above. A 2-1/2 DC plays just a little bit softer than a 2-1/2 Java, but definitely blows clearer and easier than all but the best playing Java's right out of the box - like the one you get every few boxes. Most of the DC's in any box I've played all have the same characteristics as the prize winning Java's that show up but once in a blue moon.

Also it also seems that I can practice with a DC for 1-2 hours and have minimal mushiness, where all other reeds lose it much quicker. The DC's have some holding power.