Vandoren 56 Rue Lepic Bb Clarinet ReedsThe 56 Rue Lepic, the home of Vandoren, has long been the Mecca of reed innovation. It seems only fitting that the newest reed bear the name of such a significant location. Introducing the all-new 56 Rue Lepic clarinet reed. Designed from thicker cane, the 56 emits a rich, centered and extremely pure sound while providing maximum stability in all registers. Its quick response ensures precision in the most difficult passages without sacrificing the extraordinary round and warm sound. Precision is extended to the new numbering system that offers a more specific range of strengths in each box for consistent performance. Humidity Control Box and the 56 Rue Lepic comes in humidity balanced factory fresh packaging so all reeds play as if you selected them in Paris at 56 Rue Lepic, the Mecca of reed-making. Box of 10.
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Although I just received these reeds earlier this week, I can already tell how great my tone quality is while playing these. I played 3 1/2 blue box, and switched to size 4 56 rue lepics. A size 4 rue lepic plays like a 3.75 blue box reed would. The difference in price is between the two is well worth it.
As many know buying a box of reeds can cause heart ache. You are really truly lucky if you can get three good reeds in one box. I know as a clarinet player in college reeds are really important. Especially in a top orchestra. They are the key to good tone. The Vandoren 56 are a reed that is made to give yo the clarity that you want and need. You don't have to worry if one day a good reed is going to work and the next day it doesn't. THey are a reed that is very reliable and you never have to worry if you are going to have a good tone or not. I would tell anyone that to try these reeds for they changed my playing for the better.
I've played on Vandoren V12's for the past two years now, and about 3 weeks ago my teacher gave me two of his 56's to try. They worked miracles right away! They gave me a darker and more full tone...it sounded a lot purer. After getting used to them and breaking the reeds in, they began to play even better. I did notice that it took a longer time for them to break in the the normal V12, but they sounded a lot better. Tonguing patterns that I normally could not play came out effortlessly...and the reeds are still working and not worn out. They're great!
Currently, I play on an old Freeman Chedeville. I've gotten a bit tired of trying to fit the V12's to my mouthpiece, as I don't like the extra baggage on the base of my reeds. The Rue Lepic's are a great fit for my mouthpiece, and I especially like the thick cut of them, as opposed to the somewhat thin cut on the V12's. If you play on some kind of Chedeville replica, whether it be a Chadash-Hill or Fobes, buy a box and give it a try. And on a strength note, Lepic's tend to run on the soft side compared to V12's. I play on a 4 V12, so I have to buy 4 Lepic and clip/sand a little bit to get the right consistency.
I wrote for the Hand Select Reeds sometime ago. I wasn't able to find the 56 Rue Lepic reed before. I have been using both the Hand Select and 56 Rue Lepic reeds and they are both exceptionally good reeds. In my country, the Hand Select costs more, so I prefer using the 56 for now. The sound it produces, when paired with a good clarinet, is excellent. Whether you play in an orchestra, wind band, chamber or wind ensemble, its perfect to use for every occasion. Be sure to take care of them well. Unlike the Hand Select, they can be effected by the climate very easily. All in all, I'll give it an A+.
