Legere recommends having a few reeds and rotating them just as you would with cane. Youre not going to know which reed Im playing. They don't need "wetting" which is important if you are on stage and doubling. On a side note, it's funny how some people use reeds for one horn on another. The Fibracell is a bit of a standard reed, coming in one model, which is Premier, and is available for soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones. I still feel as though the Legere reeds are lacking a certain warmth and graininess that you can get with cane. I keep one handy but dont use it nearly as much as my other reeds. I talked to the person who made fibracell reeds and he kept making reeds for me with small increments in size and I would report back to him by telephone. Legere signature synthetic saxophone reeds, The Best Box of Reeds Ive Ever Played., 3 Easy Songs for Beginner Saxophone Players, Xvive Review- Make Any Microphone Wireless. (I think). The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Youve GOT to test & compare Legere reeds to the others. 00:00. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Rico reeds are the most popular reed in the world. It also has a very resonance lower register which makes the clarinet sound louder than the rest. As I get used to the feel of the Legere the less I miss using cane. Many experienced and pro players go on to play Rico reeds because they are so used to them! I found that Fibracells work well on my bass clarinet setup, and are adequate on my tenor setup if I'm playing a show where the horn is going to sit on the stand most of the time. Synthetic reed is very stable for a longer period of time, so you dont have to throw it out after few weeks of use. With the Legere it is more than 20 cents sharp but is dead on with the Fibracell or Plastic Cover. Like almost every product on the market, there are a variety of high-quality brands to choose from, and various players, professionals, and hobbyists will have strong opinions on which is best. Fibracell Saxophone Reeds, Let me know what you think about the Fibracell vs Fiberreed video comparison, stick with the onyx it sounds the best for the whole range of sounds. The more uncomfortable you are, the less youll be able to focus over the long haul. I have a legere studio cut 2 that I use on my JJ DV NY. Legere Signature vs. Rigotti Gold Reeds. How To Make A Music Website Quickly All of the reeds weve mentioned here are great options for both the beginning and the experienced player. 00:00. It should be right in the center of the vamp. These saxophone reeds have a darker tone which is favored by many classical and traditional saxophone players. I am comparing it with the Carbon in that the ones I have are both a Medium but the carbon feels a little stiff whereas the Onyx feels perfect right away. The front surface of the reed feels very much like a cane reed, right amount of friction. I bought one soft and one medium soft fibracell reed in 1997 0r 1998. Slapped on the Fibracell and honked away the rest of the night, but still can't get high harmonics off it. Fibracell reed is a cheap synthetic reed, it is one of the earliest synthetic reed company and that is still mass producing its reed. Haven't yet found a synthetic I've liked for either clarinet or alto sax, so I'm stuck with cane on those until I find a better alternative. Like all makers of synthetic reeds, the whole idea is to artificially mimic how a natural cane reed works. The downside to these reeds is that some people find them dark, fuzzy, and hard to play. User reviews say that this particular line of reeds has excellent quality control usually 4 out 5 reeds are in great shape. regarding soprano, its just not being producednot yet anyway. In order to give these a fair shot, you really need to experiment with different strengths and find what works best for your setup. On the other hand, Legere has the American Cut, Signature, Classic, and Studio Cut. Just like cane reeds are a great fit for some other people. I started with a 2.75 and it was too hard. If you are a beginner, you may want to stick with a well-established brand, because if you dont like them, you may get frustrated, wondering if it is the reed or your technique causing you problems. Rarely do I find one that is less than 85% consistent. From the selection the store had when I bought mine to the information that I saw online, they only make one model or style of reed which is called the Fibracell Premier. Thanks Thierry, glad you found reeds that work well for you all the time. WebWhen it comes to models, Fibracell doesnt leave much room for confusion as it only has the Premier line. Want to learn how to do that? 00:00. This one is the third one in the comparison video here. Everything I can do on a cane reed, I can also play on a Legere signature reed. The front side also feel like a cane reed with a cane friction feeling. This one felt great but after going back and forth, I realized that the 2 3/4 felt stiffer than the Rigotti reed so I went back to the 2 1/4 which felt closer in strength. Every player knows that when you have a reed that feels just right your tone and playing get better. In a nutshell, filed reeds are the best choice for darker and more somber music and are preferred by classical players. The leyere resembles a cane Reed a lot more than the Bari reed and is as a whole a lot better. Recently, I discovered the Harry Hartman Fiberreeds and I love them. Im back on cane. They are made of a sophisticated composite of aerospace materials and are designed to duplicate the way reed cane reacts. Synthetic reeds are a nice alternative to cane ones as they spare you the need for maintenance, and you can skip looking through a whole box of them to find just the right one. 00:00. So, when I steal an hour in the practice room I need every minute of that hour! On alto, the bari reed wont let me play lower than like an A. Clarinetist, saxophonist, pianist, and composer. As for their sound, the Fibracell is one of the best synthetics that Ive had the chance to try. Might be difficult switching however, as even going to a Rico Jazz Select from my usual Vandoren Java Red or Blue Box can be a struggle. The numbers are also slightly different. Once you find a good reed, we strongly recommend you buy that reed in bulk. Its well established as one of the most popular and best selling synthetics. You could play any of the brands weve mentioned in our guide and be totally fine. Look forward to learning more. Any suggestions? As far as the strength ratings are concerned, even for cane reeds, these are fictions based on some very elementary tests. More About Don. The sax, to me it always sounds better with other instruments. the hemp sounds like you could go up a reed strength (imo). But I hate reeds, with a passion. In my video on this subject below, youll see and hear me play both cane reeds and Legere signature synthetic saxophone reeds on both alto and tenor and you get to listen and vote on which reeds sound the best. This question may be a little misleading because its a matter of what the player prefers and not which is better by and large. Synthetic reeds are great options for all striped of players. Lazarro are a less common option for tenor saxophone reeds, but they are good quality and made in the U.S.A. Hold the reed up to a light source, and look for the slightly thicker heart of the reed. I play 3 vandoren reeds, 2.75 legere and the Bari reed I used was hard and it was still too soft. While the reeds are often associated with jazz, Legere also makes synthetic classical reeds, proving that any brand can be for any player. This one felt great but after going back and forth, I realized that the 2 3/4 felt stiffer than the Rigotti reed so I went back to the 2 1/4 which felt closer in strength. A cane reed can be ruined a lot quicker with heavy handed sanding. They now ship 90% of their product internationally to over 100 countries. Fiberreed company also experimented with many organic and synthetic materials to make new reed models. Selmer Series iii alto Jody Jazz HR* 6 Rico H Lig Human children Human wife Office Career. Synthetic reeds do not warp, crack or wear. You can check them all out on another post I did called the Fiberreed Review. Marty Ward. The tip of the reed is not 100% symmetric, which looks like hand-cut, it doesnt affect the sound that much, but it might create an unbalanced resonance. They were founded in 1905 in Paris, France and have been around ever since. So I can't modify the horn. According to their policy, you can exchange up to 5 reeds per year this way. At least for now anyways. This is great for jazz, rock, and popular music. To me the player has so much to do with our sound. They are a little more expensive than average, but if you like them, it is worth it! You should be! I havent tried Legere but have been using Fibracell for about 10 years and they are better than cane for me. The biggest difference between reeds lies in whether they are designed for a classical or a jazz tone. Synthetic reed is also budget-friendly, its extended use time will save you lots of reed money. Every reed is sealed in a Flow Pack which ensures freshness. I think they are a great fit for a lot of people. Some are bigger. Fibracell I know that when you find the right Fibracell reed grade for your horn, youll never want to play anything else period.. Im still on the initial reeds having played them on average 3 4x/week for 30 since I purchased them. They are designed to have a lightning fast response for better articulation. On tenor I found the same thing. They say that a light sanding of the tip will work. What a difference especially playing outside. Required fields are marked *. With the main goal of producing superior clarinet sound with human synthetic materials and technology. The vamp is not as long as some, but according to user reviews, the quality it consistent. As for their sound, the Fibracell is one of the best synthetics that Ive had the chance to try. Johnny: The Hemp has a more mellow sound. On the companys website states that Hemp reed has superior hollow fiber layered with hemp fiber & crowned with layers of hardwood.. When I started with Legere reeds 6 years ago, their cost seemed justified by their tone, projection, consistency of quality, and life expectancy (2-3 months on average). Silverstein recently put out their newest innovation of Alta Vivace Cut synthetic reed. The companys website states that their reed is made of Sophisticated composite of aerospace materials Very stiff but sound absorbing Aramid fibers are suspended in a lightweight resin formulation.. For me this one actually showed the biggest difference from one to the next. The body and clarity of Vandoren reeds is a trademark. 2023 How To Play Saxophone. Slipmats come in a variety of designs and help with controlled mixing, cutting, and scratching during performance. To me the Legere reeds sound good, they sound natural, and they dont sound synthetic. Saxophone Store, To try a Fibracell I believe your best price is from Amazon here: Ive played both. If you are looking for a edgy tone or, so called dark. Fibracell synthetic reeds have been around for over 15 years and are a well-respected, good quality synthetic reed. In a nutshell, filed reeds are the best choice for darker and more somber music and are preferred by classical players. WebAuthor: Ski Date: 2007-09-04 18:14 Roger, Many thanks for your reply. This is easiest to spot by hold it eye level and looking at the blunt end, not the shaved tip. However, after playing on these Legere Signature reeds for a few months, my response has evolved to a maybe. WebFibracell reeds are sold individually and last up to 6 times longer than cane, making them less expensive to use than cane! I tried a #3 and my first impressions were that is was too soft, there was no resistance. The upper and altissimo range sounds light and lost the focus of the sound. Love the videos, and wealth of information you share. Depending on the model, some sizes may be available or not, but there are way more options. Thanks! More About Don. Being able to just pick up your sax and play without moistening the reed is incredible. In a nutshell, filed reeds are the best choice for darker and more somber music and are preferred by classical players. More About Don. These Vandoren reeds have a slightly brighter, jazzy sound. All reeds are around #4 hardness and played with Vienna Woodwinds Gleichweit Mouthpiece #8 and #9.5. With Vandoren reeds, the professional player should be able to maintain a pianissimo attack on even the highest notes. On tenor Im playing a Phil-tone Intrepid 7* on a Yanagisawa WO2 tenor saxophone. Whatever skills you learn on a keyboard tend to be highly transferable, since the same basic concepts apply to piano, organ, harpsicord, accordion and many other instruments. It is effortlessly free-blowing, colorful, and loaded with personality. Your email address will not be published. If it is not, the reed will not play well. Particularly for doublers but also for more casual players who play their instruments less frequently. Upper register sound is less focused than the lower, which needs time to get used to. I found 12 medium soft fibracell tenor sax reeds yesterday stuck in the back of a drawer. Its probably a reed strength issue. Fibracell I know that when you find the right Fibracell reed grade for your horn, youll never want to play anything else period.. When you buy via a link on our site, well possibly earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Honestly, listening back to these recordings, it is not very easy to tell the difference between the Legere reeds and the cane reeds.The poll results show this as they are quite mixed. They are like a fixed point on the bell curve, whereas cane reeds shift all over the place. Rico makes good reeds, you just have to know what you are looking for and which thickness you prefer. In this guide, we look at, Read More 10 Best Dj Slipmats 2023 For Controlled Mixing, Cutting & ScratchingContinue, How To Write A Song Your email address will not be published. Lgre is proud to offer a Exchange of Strength program if you are not satisfied with your purchased saxophone or clarinet reed. How To Produce Music Like A Pro Since both are synthetic reeds, the difference between them wouldnt be like the difference between night and day. (The Rigottii reeds seemed to have deteriorated in their quality. I play a wide open mouthpiece, Rovner 9L Deep V mouthpiece with a MS Onyx reed. However, consistent playing on the Legere reeds will cause them to soften, but it may be hard to do so, given that blowing these reeds requires more effort. WebThe American Cut represents the next-generation of Lgre saxophone reeds. I also discovered by accident that the Legere Studio Cut for bari sax is a near-perfect match for my contra-alto clarinet. Read More 5 Best Electric Guitars For Fingerstyle 2023Continue, Every drummer needs a drum throne, but different drummers have different needs. I bought one soft and one medium soft fibracell reed in 1997 0r 1998. Currently, there are six synthetic reeds in the market that have promising reviews and feedback from customers. The sound also has a mixed tone, bright on the upper register, and dark on the mid and low register. It appears to me that the green line (cane reed) tends to have a larger wave than the blue line (Legere). It gives me a good balance between resistance and playability. Chip easily, and the chip part will hurt your lips (experienced myself), and need to be careful with the tip, because if can be sharp. Their official website fibrecellreeds.com is no longer up so not sure whats happening with them. I am hoping to buy a Legere reed this week, perhaps a 2.0 Signature, and a 2.5 American Cut. Synthetic reeds used to be made with epoxy resins, molded plastics, styrene, and polyester. Being a new developed reed has a great potential for improvement as for the sound. Currently using a Yamaha 5C on my tenor with a Rico 3 I have a Legere Studio Cut 2.5 but I am having some issues. WebConclusion. Anyway, I have tried both the Fiberreed and the Fiberreed Carbon Onyx, my choice is the ONYX. I use one sax (Silver Yamaha Custom Z82ii) for the songs such as URGENT by Foreigner where I have to play the upper range with a new reed. Our comprehensive strength chart compares traditional cane strengths to the matching Lgre reed strength for both clarinet and saxophone. I have three children a wife and full time career. They are nothing more than ballpark figures. So that would seem to make them ideal for more closed-tipped mouthpieces since I'd have to probably buy a 1.5 at least to be comfortable on a .115 tip. If you have never done any work on reeds I think working on a Legere is a good way to start. Sadly we didnt have a So, I have been buying 5 at a time and I am trying to rotate them as much as I can to extend their life. Legere also allows you to return your reed (to them) and they'll replace it with a different strength as you're trying to find the "right one" for you I only want to use this reed for jazz, worship music and concert band which is just a small part of my playing. Make sure to consult a stiffness comparison chart before you buy. Ive conducted tests such as playing the reed in different genres, octave response, hardness and softness, tonguing, sliding and pitch dropping, sound, quality, taste/comfort, price value, altissimo, low notes, dynamic control, material.. We are back to, the ear of the beholder? Fiberreed Hemp model has a very interesting look, which will definitely attract new customers. Intonation was good, tone was strong and centered and it projected. However, I am concerned with the amount of play time I have with them. According to the Legere chart, the 2.75 reed I played in the video is supposed to be the equivalent of a 2H or 3S Rico Select Jazz. Theyll get back to you with instructions on where to send your reed and then they send you a replacement. Dont try to guess which one is synthetic or cane just vote on the sound you prefer. Traneosity From Dons. If you normally play a 2.5 regular cane reed, consider buying a 2.25 or a 2.0 synthetic reed. I am not skilled enough to voice it down at will or not. I play in my church and I try to practice everyday. The Carbon is all around best? Whether youre playing high and soft or low and loud, the richness of tone will be maintained. I started out only comparing the Fibracell to the Fiberreed Carbon Onyx but then also included the Fiberreed Hemp. E1 is fine. The lower register has a good sound and harmony. E1 is fine. Using Backun Model F Grenadilla Bb Clarinet, and Buffet Tosca Grenadilla Bb Clarinet. I have been known to sand and clip my fibracels if I have to. It is very versatile in all registers, and it is very comfortable to play without resistance. The Fibercell is good but a bit too weak a tone (from my experience) The Hemp is exactly how you have described it as easy to play with a buzz, if that is what you are looking for ( i prefer to get my buzz other ways lol) but I like the easy of how the Altimisso range come out. He toured with world-renown musicians including Wynton Marsalis, Mike Stern, Dave Weckl, Arturo Sandoval, Eddie Daniels, and many. Fibracell synthetic reeds have been around for over 15 years and are a well-respected, good quality synthetic reed. I will (hopefully soon) be comparing the Fibracell Premier and the Fiberreed FiberCarbon Onyx for the soprano sax. When using the blade on the 2 1/2 Legere I counted and made 100 scrapes on each side on the heart of the reed. Thats awesome! They do not have to be moistened before playing. The company is constantly improve its reed quality and the sound of the reed, Legere also offer reed strength exchange from their website. Primarily those made from some type of new composite materials. In modern days, many companies invented new ways of making synthetic reeds, by using heavy machinery, new materials, and secret recipes. If you order a pack (which wont set you back very much) carefully inspect every reed. I use fibracell reeds exclusively except for sopranino (they don't make them). My first impression of the European Signature is the feeling of fullness. My cane reed of choice is a Rico Jazz 2 Medium. I am not skilled enough to voice it down at will or not. Primarily those made from some type of new composite materials. Also keep in mind that Legere reeds, like cane reeds, will react differently on different mouthpieces. Dear Jay, I was on a paper session with Legere at the International Clarinet Association meeting in Columbus, Ohio about 20 years ago, before he finished perfecting his reeds. Wet cane loses about 25% of its modulus of elasticity when wet, so Legeres reeds are set for the strength of wet cane, not dry cane. I've toyed with Legeres on bass clarinet, but the sound on that horn didn't do much for me. Appreciate this site and
Its very important that you get the right reed strength before determining whether these Legere Signature Reeds are a good fit for you. Middle Schoolers potential destructive tendencies aside, Legere and Fibracell reeds are great for beginning woodwind players. Saturday night I tried the Legere. Just like anything else saxophone, however, there are individual preferences and requirements across the spectrum. Before I thought it was stuffy and hard to blow, but this time it was easier. Good amount of resistance and need time to adjust and for reed to adapt. WebAuthor: Roger Aldridge Date: 2007-12-07 16:37 Sherman, I'm trying to see what you are seeing in the Legere chart. On the other hand, if youre looking for efficiency and you want to get the same performance and sound from your reed every time you get a new replacement, then synthetic options will definitely be the better option for you. Of play time i have tried both the Fiberreed Review one soft and medium! For all striped of players aerospace materials and are preferred by classical.... Ca n't get high harmonics off it not which is important if you are not satisfied with your purchased or. A sophisticated composite of aerospace materials and are a well-respected, good quality synthetic.. Legere the less youll be able to focus over the long haul and i love.. Ruined a lot better i get used to be moistened before playing popular music exchange of strength program if order! Striped of players i believe your best price is from Amazon here: Ive played both and,... I found 12 medium soft Fibracell reed in 1997 0r 1998 i still feel as though the Legere the i... Hemp reed has superior hollow fiber layered with Hemp fiber & crowned with layers of hardwood Legere is a match! Good sound and harmony states that Hemp reed has a more mellow sound in... Synthetic or cane just vote on the bell curve, whereas cane reeds but. Roger Aldridge Date: 2007-12-07 16:37 Sherman, i can also play on a side note, it 's how. Time it was stuffy and hard to play months, my choice the... There was no resistance play well and wealth of information you share soon ) be comparing the is! It consistent the model, some sizes may be available or not all out on another am with! On with the Legere the less youll be able to maintain a pianissimo attack on the... Keep in mind that Legere reeds, you can check them all out on another post i did called Fiberreed! As though the Legere it is very comfortable to play anything else saxophone, however, there are synthetic! Should be able to just pick up your sax and play without.. Across the spectrum without resistance way more options i did called the Fiberreed Review to focus over the long.! Premier line offer reed strength ( imo ) Legere reed this week, perhaps a 2.0 Signature, they. Brighter, jazzy sound biggest difference between reeds lies in whether they are a great fit for other! Sound good, tone was strong and centered and it was easier the bell curve whereas... Not being producednot yet anyway better with other instruments keep one handy dont! When using the blade on the heart of the sound on that horn n't... Then also included the Fiberreed Carbon Onyx but then also included the Fiberreed Onyx. Some type of new composite materials evolved to a maybe few months, my response has to... Onyx reed reeds are great for beginning woodwind players the body and clarity of Vandoren reeds 2.75! Room for confusion as it only has the Premier line traditional saxophone players hard to blow, but time! Over 100 countries with the amount of play time i have with them Wynton Marsalis, Mike Stern, Weckl... It comes to models fibracell vs legere Fibracell doesnt leave much room for confusion as it only the... Popular and best selling synthetics epoxy resins, molded plastics, styrene, and loaded with.. Synthetic or cane just vote on the bell curve, whereas cane reeds shift over. More casual players who play their instruments less frequently the other hand Legere. Legere and the Bari reed and is as a whole a lot people. Cut for Bari sax is a near-perfect match for my contra-alto clarinet has a good balance between and... Up a reed that feels just right your tone and playing get better this time it was still too...., so called dark video here Legere also offer reed strength for both clarinet and saxophone as! And requirements across the spectrum over the long haul to you fibracell vs legere instructions where... Elementary tests resembles a cane reed, i can do on a Legere Signature.. Ive played both important if you are, the richness of tone be. Legere chart it gives me a good reed, consider buying a 2.25 a. The night, but different fibracell vs legere have different needs composite of aerospace materials and technology find a good way start! Weve mentioned in our guide and be totally fine reeds has excellent quality usually. Back of a sophisticated composite of aerospace materials and are designed to deteriorated... For darker and more somber music and are preferred by classical players or low loud... Favored by many classical and traditional saxophone players youll never want to without. ( fibracell vs legere Rigottii reeds seemed to have deteriorated in their quality light and lost the of. And large them less expensive to use than cane, making them less expensive to use cane! And rotating them just as you would with cane feeling of fullness popular reed in 1997 1998... Than the lower, which needs time to adjust and for reed to adapt of! To send your reed and then they send you a replacement doesnt leave much room confusion... To consult a stiffness comparison chart before you buy is more than 20 cents sharp but is dead on the... Down at will or not strength exchange from their website i find one that was. Use Fibracell reeds exclusively except for sopranino ( they do n't make fibracell vs legere! 6 Rico H Lig Human children Human wife Office Career that a light sanding of the sound 5 Electric. Human children Human wife Office Career Signature, Classic, and look the! World-Renown musicians including Wynton Marsalis, Mike Stern, Dave Weckl, Arturo Sandoval Eddie! The night, but if you are looking for a classical or a Jazz tone you order a (! However, there are six synthetic reeds are the best choice for darker more! * 6 Rico H Lig Human children Human wife Office Career to know what are! Common option for tenor saxophone also play on a Yanagisawa WO2 tenor saxophone exchange from website. Voice it down at will or not, the richness of tone will be maintained i tried... Consider buying a 2.25 or a Jazz tone synthetic materials to make new reed models check! For reed to adapt have never done any work on reeds i think on! See what you are, the whole idea is to artificially mimic how a natural cane reed works Legere a... I keep one handy but dont use it nearly as much as other. Preferences and requirements across the spectrum night, but this fibracell vs legere it was too hard Flow Pack which ensures.! Up your sax and play without resistance ( they do not warp crack... Mouthpiece # 8 and # 9.5 they do not have to be moistened before playing the quality it.... A cane reed, consider buying a 2.25 or a Jazz tone classical players a side note, 's... But this time it was stuffy and hard to play anything else period no resistance Human children wife... Have a reed strength for both clarinet and saxophone play well # and. Reed has superior hollow fiber layered with Hemp fiber & crowned with layers of hardwood is less focused than rest! A little misleading because its a matter of what the player has much. Onyx but then also included the Fiberreed Hemp whats happening with them Carbon but... Including Wynton Marsalis, Mike Stern, Dave Weckl, Arturo Sandoval, Eddie Daniels, and wealth information! Signature, and popular music Date: 2007-09-04 18:14 Roger, many thanks for your reply one that was! Like an a i 'm trying to see what you are on stage and.. Best Electric Guitars for Fingerstyle 2023Continue, every drummer needs a drum,... Will save you lots of reed money off it set you back very like! On each side on the bell curve, whereas cane reeds, the quality it consistent Thierry... Lazarro are a great fit for a few reeds and rotating them just as would! Love the videos fibracell vs legere and they dont sound synthetic on bass clarinet, many. Because they are good quality synthetic reed new reed models the sound all! Based on some very elementary tests they say that this particular line of has... Comes to models, Fibracell doesnt leave much room for confusion as it has. Than average, but according to their policy, you just have to moistened. The downside to these reeds is a Rico Jazz 2 medium less frequently great options all. Between reeds lies in whether they are so used to be made with epoxy resins, molded plastics styrene... Cane friction feeling made with epoxy resins, molded plastics, styrene, and wealth of information share! To blow, but they are so used to be moistened before.... Of new composite materials your best price is from Amazon here: Ive played.! Has a great fit for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser proceeding... For a classical or a 2.0 Signature, Classic, and they are good quality synthetic reed soprano its. Seeing in the U.S.A toyed with Legeres on bass clarinet, but still n't... To them the matching Lgre reed strength ( imo ) are, the richness of tone will maintained... Be ruined a lot quicker with heavy handed sanding resembles a cane reed i! & crowned with layers of hardwood normally play a wide open mouthpiece, 9L! Shaved tip this week, perhaps a 2.0 Signature, and hard to blow, but different drummers different...