Product Information
My bassoon reed is falling off the bocal. How can I fix this?
While this is rare, your bassoon reed could slip off the bocal while you are practicing. Consider wrapping cigarette paper or coffee filter paper around the bocal to secure a tighter seal. Alternatively, you may gently ream the inside of the reed usi
How do I fix leaking on my Légère Oboe reed?
Although it is not expected, if you experience slight leaking on your oboe reed, we suggest utilizing fish skin or Teflon tape. For best results, wrap the product around your Légère reed in the same manner that you would wrap a cane reed. This will c
How do I know if I need a softer or harder Legere reed?
The right reed strength is determined mostly by player preference. Some players prefer softer reeds, and some prefer harder reeds. The strength of the reed affects the clarinet’s tone, responsiveness, and resistance. The strength also is affected by
Why is 2.50 strength the most common for beginners?
2.50, or 2 1/2, is the most common strength of reed for beginners to purchase and use as their first reed. This strength provides the most balance of ease of playing and resistance. Learning to play on reeds that are too strong can cause frustration,
How do I know if I need a softer or harder Legere reed?
The right reed strength is determined mostly by player preference. Some players prefer softer reeds, and some prefer harder reeds. The strength of the reed affects the clarinet’s tone, responsiveness, and resistance. The strength also is affected by
How do I know which reed strength to move up to as I progress?
As you develop more control over your tone and embouchure, you may find that you need a slightly harder reed(e.g.,3.00 or 3.50) for a richer sound and more tonal control, moving up from the 2.50 strength which you may have began at. If you feel like
What new reeds is Légère working on?
Guy Légère, scientist and co-founder, is busy creating new reeds and perfecting existing styles every single day. We are always working on multiple projects simultaneously. To get R&D updates, don’t forget to sign up to our monthly newsletter. We pro
Can I use a reed that’s too soft or too hard for my skill level?
Yes, using a reed that is too soft can make it difficult to control the sound, especially at higher volumes or in demanding passages. On the other hand, a reed that is too hard can make playing more difficult, leading to fatigue and a more restricted
How do I know which reed strength to move up to as I progress?
As you develop more control over your tone and embouchure, you may find that you need a slightly harder reed(e.g.,3.00 or 3.50) for a richer sound and more tonal control, moving up from the 2.50 strength which you may have began at. If you feel like
Why should I store my Légère reed when not in use?
It is best to remove the Légère reed from the mouthpiece when done playing. Leaving it on the mouthpiece can make it easier to be damaged by accidental brushing against it and chipping or cracking it. Store your Légère reed either in the reed case th
Can I wear lipstick/ lip balm with Légère?
Yes! A nice added bonus of our reeds is that you can safely and comfortably wear lipstick, lipgloss and lip balm without affecting the reed. Simply wash the reed with mild soap and warm water after use to clean off any colour residue.
Do Légère reeds contain BPA or other harmful chemicals?
Légère reeds are made from food-grade polypropylene, which is BPA free. This is the same plastic that is used to make food packaging (yogurt containers) and is completely safe for oral contact.
Do you make reeds for Alto Clarinet?
We do not make reeds specifically for Alto Clarinet, however, our Alto Saxophone reeds are absolutely suitable for the majority of mouthpieces. If for some reason you buy an Alto Saxophone reed that does not fit your mouthpiece, please make use of ou
Are there any tips for improving Légère reed longevity?
Here are some tips to help you get the most life out of your Légère reeds:. By following these tips, you can prolong the life of your Légère reeds and maintain consistent performance quality.
Why is reed strength important?
Reed strength is crucial because it directly affects how the saxophone or clarinet responds to the player’s air pressure and embouchure (the position and pressure of the lips and mouth on the mouthpiece). Here’s why it’s important:. In essence, reed
Are there any techniques for “reviving” old or worn-out Legere reeds?
There is no way to revive a worn out Legere reed. Once it has softened considerably and no longer produces the same vibrant tone you’re looking for, it may not be practical to continue using it for optimal sound. The best way to prolong the life of t
What’s the best way to humidify or soak a reed before playing?
Legere Reeds do not require any humidification, preparation, or soaking before use. You can simply put the reed on and play!
When should I throw away a reed and get a new one?
Replace your reed when it becomes chipped, overly worn, or when it no longer produces a clean sound. If it feels uneven or doesn’t respond well, it’s time to discard it.
What happens if my reed is chipped or damaged?
A chipped reed will produce uneven airflow and a poor tone. It may also be harder to control. Once damaged, it’s better to replace it than to continue using it.
I’m new to Légère, what reed should I buy? (Single Reeds)
We’re glad you’re here!. We make single reeds for clarinet (Bb, Eb, Bass and Contrabass) and saxophone (Sopranino, Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass) in a variety of cuts and strengths to accommodate different skill levels and playing styles. Firs
Discontinued 1/4 strengths for Classic and Studio Cut
At the end of 2019, Légère is discontinuing the production of 1/4 strength increments in Classic and Studio Cut reeds for both clarinet and saxophone. This change will make room for new clarinet and saxophone reeds that are currently in development.
My strength has been discontinued – what should I play now?
The following reeds for saxophone and clarinet are being discontinued at the end of 2019. Classic for Saxophone & Clarinet 1.75, 2.25, 2.75, 3.25, 3.75, 4.25, 4.75. Studio Cut for Saxophone 1.75, 2.25, 2.75, 3.25. If your strength has been discontinu
I’m new to Légère, what reed should I buy? (Double Reeds)
Légère produces bassoon and oboe reeds in a variety of strengths. This is to accommodate most skill levels and playing styles. Oboe. We are proud to offer Medium-Soft, Medium and Medium-Hard European Scrape Oboe reeds. The Medium-Soft (MS) reed is th
What is the playability of a Légère reed?
Légère reeds sound almost identical to the best moist cane reed available. In fact, our Signature Series and European Cut reeds are preferred by the most prestigious musicians in the world, in the most traditional institutions like the Berlin and Vie
Same reeds slightly different names
You may have noticed our reeds are now in new packaging and that the naming is slightly different. Rest assured the reeds have remained the same!. To make things clear, here is a comprehensive list of the small changes made to the names:. Please note
NEW! American Cut Saxophone reeds
What is the American Cut Saxophone Reed?. The American Cut is the culmination of a 6-year research project to advance our Signature Series technology and create a reed that answers the needs of the world’s most discerning jazz musicians. I am proud t
Why should I store my Légère reed when not in use?
It is best to remove the Légère reed from the mouthpiece when done playing. Leaving it on the mouthpiece can make it easier to be damaged by accidental brushing against it and chipping or cracking it. Store your Légère reed either in the reed case th
What strength reed should I play on my mouthpiece?
There are many factors to which strength reed should be used, but the most important factor is what is going to work best for you and your setup. Because of the many variations in tip openings, facing lengths, and the individual preferences of player
Do Légère reeds contain BPA or other harmful chemicals?
Légère reeds are made from food-grade polypropylene, which is BPA free. This is the same plastic that is used to make food packaging (yogurt containers) and is completely safe for oral contact.
Are there any techniques for “reviving” old or worn-out Legere reeds?
There is no way to revive a worn out Legere reed. Once it has softened considerably and no longer produces the same vibrant tone you’re looking for, it may not be practical to continue using it for optimal sound. The best way to prolong the life of t
Is there a difference between reeds for alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones?
Yes, reeds are typically sized to fit the specific mouthpieces of eachsaxophone. Alto reeds are shorter and thinner than tenor reeds, and soprano reeds are the smallest of all, designed to match the corresponding mouthpiece sizes. It is not advised t