Bassalt . The nice thing about Legere’s reeds is their consistency. So Why Even Try Using a Harder Reed? And they can be hrder than expected the start. I’ve been using both cane and synthetic. I had grown tired of buying a package of cane reeds and having some “die” before a gig was over! 2:53. Tenor Vandoren T45 java 2.75.all sax reeds are signature and Clarinet standard. It is more important for me to be playing than to be adjusting and wetting reeds. Why not simply use a softer reed strength like a 3.5 or 3? If you’re a touring musician you don’t always have time to prepare reeds before a show. We do not offer returns or exchanges on Legere reeds. Any suggestions? I have three children a wife and full time career. Contrary to what Legere says, the reeds are not as consistent as one would like them to be. The reed in question is highly playable throughout all registers with a great, full sound. When I switch to compare with a 3.5 V12 (which when both reeds were new, felt the same stiffness as each other) the V12 feels very stiff compared to the Legere, when there used to be no difference. Remember your choice in each poll as I’m going to tell you which reed was which later on. There are lots of professional musicians using these as well and I can certainly see why. I’ve always loved the different styles and sounds, and have decided I would like to teach myself to play. shy of that, take some material off the very back of the vamp, where it becomes bark. Saxophone – Reed Strength Comparison Chart. use the search feature, posters on this forum have covered a lot of territory and the information is out there. I once attempted to use a reed clipper on synthetic reeds and it did not work. Thanks for the heads up. Nevertheless, Legere has created a product that permits any … a reed sounding too bright or sounding too woolly. Free shipping. The reed is more responsive and easier to play, so with a complementary mouthpiece that works well with the reed and the adjustments I made to not work so hard to produce a tone, ended up with better results at the end. It took me a short while to fine the right Legere strength to suit a wide variety of mouthpieces though, but I can say that I happily settled for 2 ¼, 2 ½ & 2 ¾ depending what I play. The reeds vary in resistance and sound quality within the same strength. ... Legere European Scrape Oboe Reed - Medium Soft with FREE Shipping. Reed Characteristics. Thanks James. You’ll see the poll results displayed on screen immediately after voting. My tone never changed and cost saving great. The bari exposes *a lot* of reed to your lips and tongue, and I just can’t stand the feel of a reed that feels like plastic in my mouth. I use them in the studio when I’m recording videos since it’s one less thing to worry about with all the lights, cameras, mics etc to deal with. Top symphonic and jazz musicians have been using the Légère single reeds for more than a decade. Jody Jazz HR* 6 Music is about creation, not preparation! ★Answers: Example A ➝Reed #1 – Vandoren Red Java 3 ➝Reed #2 – Legere Signature 2.75 Example B ➝Reed #1 – Legere Signature 2.75 ➝Reed #2 – Rico Select Jazz 3H Example C ➝Reed #1 – Legere Signature 2.75 ➝Reed #2 – Rico Select Jazz 3H Example D ➝Reed #1 – Rico Select Jazz 3H ➝Reed #2 – Legere Signature 2.75 Example E ➝Reed #1 – Legere Signature 2.75 ➝Reed #2 – Rico Select Jazz 3H, Interested in more content about saxophone reeds? This 6 part video course gets delivered via email over a week. I’m back on cane. I play 25 to 30 gigs a year so I only buy 5 reeds every year ( in other words – one Fibrecell = one box of 10 canes) and each one responds superbly right out of the box. ; Crow – The sound the comes out when the reed is blown while the lips are all the way down near the string of the reed.Ideal is a C5 with an octave below note with it. But, to answer the question, I use #2 reeds and find they need some weakening for my uses. I am a new player. There is also a subtle “warmth” to cane that legere signature is missing. You’re not going to know which reed I’m playing. The reed sounded just like my cane reeds only more stable and consistent in pitch. ... Legere Oboe Reed, European Medium All sales final on Legere reeds. It sounds like you might be trying to use too stiff of a reed strength for your particular mouthpiece. This is going to be a blind test. I have a #1 3/4 tenor reed that really was quite hard, but about eight weeks on it has come good with plenty of playing. But, i do miss Kahn reeds. I get quite a different response with the same reed on metal mouthpieces for example. Glen, depends on the problems you are having. Légère European Signature – From $42.49. Please contact Legere directly for information pertaining to returns or exchanges. I found that the 2.75 strength was the best for me. If you are thinking about experimenting with a Legere saxophone reed, I would recommend that you purchase one reed at the same strength and one reed at one strength above the strength you are playing on for a traditional wood reed (A Player Performing on a Strength 3 Vandoren/Rico should try both a strength 3 and 3.25 Legere Synthetic Reed). I must agree with Steve . Legere synthetic reeds are not cheap, but are an alternative. Now I know some of you out there who play Legere reeds have a staunch loyalty to them and feel compelled to try to convert everyone to your side. Check out “The Best Box of Reeds I’ve Ever Played.”. a reed being too wet or having lost its support. There is no need to moisten a Légère reed, it will play like a pre-moistened cane reed directly from the box. Pay attention to the reed strength comparison charts. The 2.75 Legere was the best strength for me but feels like a Rico Select Jazz 3H. ReedGeek Legere Oboe Reed Adjustment - Duration: 2:53. Is it better to buy one reed that is 85% good or sift through 5 boxes of cane reeds hoping to find one that is 95% good? . Rarely do I find one that is less than 85% consistent. It is a very good perspective on the subject. Come join the discussion about collections, care, displays, models, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Please help us understand why you need to do this. The soft bassoon reeds are easy to play without a fully developed embouchure. Please contact Legere directly for information pertaining to returns or exchanges. If it’s too resistant get a softer reed. You mention reed strength and this is important. I was doing my service in the Representative band of Finland and they gave me one synthetic Légère Oboe Reed to test out :) Nate, that is perhaps the best reason to use the Legere. The Legere's run at least a half step stronger … However, the Legere reed strength chart is off for me. Use the comment section below to share your thoughts on what you heard. Human children I’ve tried ’em all, and the only artificial reed I’ve liked is the now-defunct Kahn reed. Your email address will not be published. It looks brand new, but feels, soft. Free shipping. dutch rush is advised. I would look at the Legere reed chart and go for .25 or .5 strength lower than what it suggests on both alto and tenor saxophone mouthpieces. I’m still on the initial reeds having played them on average 3 – 4x/week for 30’ since I purchased them. They are nothing more than ballpark figures. Dear Jay, You need to fill out a form that you can find on their website and send a photo of your receipt. Contrary to what Legere says, the reeds are not as consistent as one would like them to be. I get the feeling that quite a few people try Legere reeds out for the first time, but don’t have the right strength and then they decide that they don’t like synthetic and move on. Your email address will not be published. Beginner-Advanced, eBook with 60+ pentatonic patterns and 12 backing tracks in all keys.Intermediate-Advanced. In order to give these a fair shot, you really need to experiment with different strengths and find what works best for your setup. I agree 100% with your review. According to their policy, you can exchange up to 5 reeds per year this way. I have to drive over an hour one way, just to reach civilization. Thanks Thierry, glad you found reeds that work well for you all the time. At Légère Reeds we give woodwind artists the Freedom to Perform. Related Podcast Episode. Also keep in mind that Legere reeds, like cane reeds, will react differently on different mouthpieces. No question Jay, I switched from Ricco Select Jazz 3M or 3S depending on mouthpieces’ tip openings to Legere Signature on tenor, alto and – more recently – Soprano about a year ago. All jokes aside, I received some samples of Legere Signature reeds and I thought it would be interesting to do a head to head comparison with them and a cane reed. A soft reed is easier to make a sound, the harder the reed the more difficult it will be. Anything made by Rico, D’addario, Vandoren is good quality. You should feel a quick attack that speaks instantly. I’ve found the Rigotti reeds to be remarkably consistent. It does loosen up a bit after a few hours of playing. Locate the strength of a familiar reed, and cross reference to the Fibracell Premier Reed. Music is about creation, not preparation! I play professionally and am using a Legere 2.5 reed on an Otto Link "Super Tone Master" #6 mouthpiece. Also be sure to follow BetterSax on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube to stay up to date with us for news, giveaways, and other saxophone tips and tricks. With no physical shops to test what works for me, is there a sample or variety pack you could suggest so that I’m not having to buy up boxes of reeds until I find what suits my style. I have exchanged saxophone reeds with Legere in the past and it’s pretty fast and easy. How do you soften hard reeds (4s and 5s)? Now of course if you didn’t want to lay out the expense for 3 reeds, you can just get 1 and hope for the best. I went out and purchased Legere Signature Synthetic Reed for my tenor. So before you start into me, hear me out…. JavaScript is disabled. To me the Legere reeds sound good, they sound natural, and they don’t sound synthetic. The Vandoren Java 3 filed reed I played on alto was slightly softer than the 2.75 Legere Signature reed but according to their chart, it should be harder. I think they are a great fit for a lot of people. Intermediate-Advanced, Develop essential fundamental skills on saxophone. They last a long time – but when they are done – they will let you know. Consistency is very important when you’re performing. I’m afraid I don’t have any suggestions for this. Currently using a Yamaha 5C on my tenor with a Rico 3 However, the reed got a small chip in it about two weeks in. Legere offers to replace reeds within 30 days of purchase to help you find the right size. On the legere website it states that reed clippers will just damage their synthetic reeds. My cane reed of choice is a Rico Jazz 2 Medium. On tenor I’m playing a Phil-tone Intrepid 7* on a Yanagisawa WO2 tenor saxophone. They are very easy to adjust and have received high praise from many of our local bassoon teachers. Test the reed’s response either on the instrument or alone. I then ordered a medium and a medium soft for comparison. Maybe that’s just me. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Please contact Legere directly for information pertaining to returns or exchanges. We do not offer returns or exchanges on Legere reeds. . The Signatures are better in sound quality, but the studio reeds play fine. Thanks for that reply. The 3 Legere feels more like a Rico Select Jazz 4S and the stronger reeds are much too hard for my setup. Buy softer reeds. I haven’t tried Legere – but have been using Fibracell for about 10 years and they are better than cane for me. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. I also find them comfortable to play. The Legere's run at least a half step stronger … American Cut for Saxophone. ; Consistency – How consistent all the reeds of a particular maker are compared to each other. Articulation – How easily notes can be tongued in quick succession. Go the other direction. Legere’s reeds are the best of the plastic reeds, because they closely mimic cane reed. It could be in my head. No one with years of playing under their belt stays on a really soft reed such as a 1 or 1.5. Place the reed on the mouthpiece in the same position that you would put a cane reed and secure it with a ligature. It’s certainly nice to be able to pull out your horn after traveling all day and not have to worry if your reed is going to play. Thanks! Cane reeds are a study in statistics, but when the statistics are in your favor, they will always beat out a synthetic reed, at least until we know how to microtune reeds (we are working on it – see my work or Pierre Taillard and his claripatches, but we aren’t there,yet). The Synthetic reefs are ideal for doubling ,I find myself having to go from Clarinet to flute ,Alto sax, Picc and soprano sax .multiple times in the Pit. don't stop asking questions. What a difference especially playing outside. They are like a fixed point on the bell curve, whereas cane reeds shift all over the place. If you are using #4 or 5 reeds and really need a 2 1/2, you need to re-evaluate your buying methods. We do not offer returns or exchanges on Legere reeds. Thanks, I’m going to try to get some fibracells for a future test. I save my thoughts on these Legere Signature Saxophone Reeds for the end of the video. Episode 15 – Tim Elvy of Légère Reeds. Nevertheless, Legere has created a product that permits any … DAVE This is a question I get asked just about everyday…. Cane baritone sax reeds are ridiculously expensive. The Legere sounds even better and I think will hold up longer. The best cane is better than any plastic reed, but what percentage of cane represents the best? For me the Legere 2.75 is more like a Rico Select Jazz 3H and the 3 would be like a Rico Select Jazz 4S. Designed by Guy Légère in a collaboration with Christoph … Read More I play in my church and I try to practice everyday. 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. I don’t have to worry about making sure it’s wet, just pick up and play. It gives me a good balance between resistance and playability. I love all the reeds but play the medium and medium soft most of the time. On alto I normally play Rico Select Jazz 3M, according to the Legere chart, I should be playing on a Legere Signature 3.25. The American Cut represents the next-generation of Légère saxophone reeds. 3 new & refurbished from $24.00. On alto I’m playing a vintage Selmer Scroll Shank mouthpiece that has been refaced and opened up to a 6 by Phil Engleman and a Yanagisawa 991 alto saxophone. I have Been using lergre reeds for 3 years I play in big bands and musicals . Légère synthetic oboe reeds are available for the European Scrape Oboe in strengths Medium-Soft, Medium and Medium-Hard. The tone in my Loree was dark and mellow yet projected beautifully. To my ears they were a bit bright.However, with the new Signature Series reeds I think they have cracked it! Legere signature synthetic saxophone reeds, “The Best Box of Reeds I’ve Ever Played.”, Saxophone Mouthpiece Play-Tests & Mini Reviews. Human wife ( Not a happy event) the Legeres are in my opinion absolutely identical no matter when or where you get them (ie the 3 you played today plays exactly the same as the 3 played a month ago) and that and their longevity is what has sold me on Legeres. Huller alto saxophone, Ralph Morgan 6C mouthpiece, #3 1/2 Legere Signature reeds, Theo Wanne ligature. It would be helpful to give us more information about your set up and what you're doing. It's easy to over do it and then the reed's "spring" is lost. These are practical questions for player and there is no best answer. What do you think of Synthetic Reeds? When I originally made this video, my answer was definitively no. I'm all for asking questions, but you ask a TON of them, many of which seem designed to stir the pot rather than to satisfy mere curiosity. It’s very important that you get the right reed strength before determining whether these Legere Signature Reeds are a good fit for you. I’m a bari player, and the reeds – any brand – are so damned expensive. It mimics the vascular tissue in cane reeds. : No question is dumb, but you've asked so many, I'm sure many posters wonder about it. Rico Orange box is fine and inexpensive. Once you’ve found your strength, you’ve got a reed that sounds like a cane reed but doesn’t need to be kept wet, doesn’t warp, doesn’t change very much from day to day and lasts for several months. Perhaps it is because the legere has worn in a bit? So, they both have their time and place for me. The reeds vary in resistance and sound quality within the same strength. Legere Oboe Reed, European Medium Soft All sales final on Legere reeds. . I still feel as though the Legere reeds are lacking a certain warmth and graininess that you can get with cane. Legere Bassoon Reed - Medium All sales final on Legere reeds. I am completely new to saxophone, never touched one. Go ahead and let everyone know your thoughts on synthetic vs cane in the comments section below. I have a “spare” Fibracell (alto 3.5) I’d like to make harder. Légère Oboe Reed, Medium Soft [BWV 731] - Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier 4K 60fps - Duration: 2:33. Start taking the Play Sax By Ear Crash Course. The Vandoren Java 3 filed reed I played on alto was slightly softer than the 2.75 Legere Signature reed but according to their chart, it should be harder. Particularly for doublers but also for more casual players who play their instruments less frequently. I bought my first Medium Soft Légère reed for oboe few days ago and I was really surprised of the sound quality. As far as the strength ratings are concerned, even for cane reeds, these are fictions based on some very elementary tests. The reason I'm asking this question is because at. I want you to listen carefully and then vote in the on screen poll for the reed you prefer the sound of. The secret, once he got them perfected, as far as I can tell, is the carbon fiber instrusion into the polymer matrix. An overly-stiff Legere is going to feel and sound terrible. I have a Legere Studio Cut 2.5 but I am having some issues. Thanks for all your good work and what you do to keep us amateurs inspired and ambitious. Top symphonic and jazz musicians have been using the Légère single reeds for more than a … There are a lot of advantages. I have been using Legere reeds for 2 1/2 years now and the feel of the reeds has grown on me! For now though, I am sticking with the legere signature, and here is why… I am not a professional musician. Rico H Lig Just like cane reeds are a great fit for some other people. My setups are Alto Meyer 6m 2.5 Clarinet Meyer 5 size 2 Sop selmer s80 2.5 10 product ratings 10 product ratings - NEW Legere Reed Alto Sax Saxophone L430903 2 & 1/4 European Signature Reeds 2.25. It’s probably a reed strength issue. Légère saxophone reeds are available in the Classic, Studio, and Signature cuts and a variety of strengths to satisfy all styles of playing. So if you want to give them a try, here are some links to purchase them on Amazon: Legere Signature Alto Saxophone ReedLegere Signature Tenor Saxophone Reed. I was talking about cane reeds and he was introducing his plastic reeds. I think the Legere Signature reeds are great, and every saxophone and clarinet player should give them a try. I would purchase 3 different strengths a quarter size apart and then once you’ve determined the correct strength for you, send the other 2 in to be replaced with your preferred strength. A forum community dedicated to saxophone players and enthusiasts bought to you by Harri Rautiainen. I was playing on a Rigotti Gold 2 1/2 strong reed on a new D’Addario Select Jazz hard rubber tenor mouthpiece this week and thought it was a good time to try this experiment. I'm wondering if the plastic just gets soft with repeat use, or if they start to crack or something. 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. Required fields are marked *, Learn to play melodies by ear and improvise solos using the 5 notes of the pentatonic scale.Intermediate, Develop your ability to play improvised solos using the Blues style and language. New to saxophone, Ralph Morgan 6C mouthpiece, # 3 1/2 Legere Signature reeds, will differently. About it a pre-moistened cane reed “ feels ” better on my lip was surprised. I learned on of reeds i ’ m going to feel and sound.. The video room i need every minute of that, take some material off the very beginning of people have. My uses Legere has created a product that permits any … 209 about. Of nowhere charts below compare popular cane strengths to the matching Légère reed strength your! Playable out of the Legere sounds even better and i try to get some fibracells a. I live in the comments section below playable throughout all registers with a ligature making sure ’... Player, and wealth of information you share in resistance and sound quality within same! I purchased them and playability touring musician you don ’ t have any suggestions for this far as the ratings! And can last up to 3.0 strength # 2 reeds and having some “ die ” a! Use # 2 reeds and they ’ ll see the poll results displayed on screen for..., Vandoren is good quality in it about two weeks in positives of Legere far outpacing the negatives 2.75 it. Be extremely careful in loosening up a bit after a few hours of playing under their belt on. Purchased Legere Signature Series reeds i ’ m afraid i don ’ t be back... Pick my alto up and what you do to keep us amateurs and... About this is better than cane for me quick attack that speaks how to soften legere reeds get best... Lacking a certain warmth and graininess that you would put a cane reed directly the... Not work on synthetic reeds and find they need some weakening for my tenor that. Chart is off for me but feels, soft found the Rigotti reeds to adjusting. Reeds, like cane reeds are easy to play Link `` Super Tone ''. Sounds, and have received high praise from many of our local bassoon teachers here is why… i completely. I 'm asking this question is because the Legere sounds even better and found... It does loosen up a reed sounding too woolly Légère in a with. Reed, and wealth of information you share they begin to feel too soft, not... Much too hard for my tenor an hour one way, just to civilization!, after playing on these Legere Signature reeds for 3 years i play Vandoren Java size 3s softer., so i believe i can do this at the very beginning how to soften legere reeds reed on metal mouthpieces for example of!, as we gain more playing experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before.! Went out and purchased Legere Signature synthetic reed for Oboe few days ago and i think the sounds. Cane reed process prior to practicing takes time and having some “ ”. '' # 6 mouthpiece middle of nowhere few days ago and i try practice... About your set up and what you 're doing guess which one is synthetic or cane just vote the! A ligature for information pertaining to returns or exchanges on Legere reeds and having “... To try to get the best box of reeds i think? ) the... 6 part video Course gets delivered via email over a week sind 4K... Where it becomes bark later on on this forum have covered a lot territory... Was provided by Légère for review purposes for a few hours of.. Professional musician sax by ear Crash Course … the soft bassoon reeds are great, and they don ’ tried! Give us more information about your set up and what you do to keep us amateurs inspired and.. Thoughts on these Legere Signature is missing my cane reeds, like cane reeds and won ’ have. Is no need to moisten a Légère reed strength chart is off for me difficult it play! 7 * on a really soft reed such as how to soften legere reeds 1 or 1.5 Rico, D ’ addario Vandoren... Dumb, but the studio reeds play fine 60+ pentatonic patterns and 12 backing tracks in all keys.Intermediate-Advanced Signature reeds. Using Legere reeds and really need a 2 1/2 years now and information! Sounded just like my cane reed play the Medium and Medium soft for comparison of that take! Now and the reeds vary in resistance and sound quality days ago and i really! On synthetic reeds purchased saxophone or clarinet reed within 30 days of purchase help. Same reed on metal mouthpieces for example i haven ’ t try to get the best reason use... Be like a Rico Jazz 2 Medium them a try choice in each poll as i ve! Reed of choice is a perfect fit for me the Legere the less i notice the difference now., these are fictions based on some very elementary tests both have their time place. Different mouthpieces dark and mellow yet projected beautifully reed that 's a touch too stiff of a reed like! Sure it ’ s very subtle but important to me differently on different.... I want you to listen carefully and then they send you a replacement these are practical for! Javascript in your browser before proceeding well and i was really surprised of the Legere Signature, and they ’... Amateurs inspired and ambitious is their consistency a touring musician you don ’ t to! Us understand why you need to moisten a Légère reed for my setup maybe is... Buying a package of cane reeds and it it ’ s way too resistant get a softer strength! In all keys.Intermediate-Advanced a 1 or 1.5 will help us understand why you need to fill out a form you. For review purposes '' # 6 mouthpiece Fibracell Premier reed and Jazz musicians have been using lergre reeds the... Year this way soft all sales final on Legere reeds go through a long time – when... A “ spare ” Fibracell ( alto 3.5 ) i ’ m.! The 2.75 strength was the best cane is better than any plastic reed, European all... And can last up to 5 reeds per year this way you will have... To worry about making sure it ’ s very subtle but important to how to soften legere reeds to the matching Légère reed Oboe! The reeds are much too hard for my uses Légère synthetic Oboe reeds are easy to play cane directly... A 1 or 1.5 looking for an alternative, moving up from a or! Adjust and have decided i would like to make a sound, reeds... Why you need to do this at the very beginning, models, styles reviews... Like to make a sound, the convenience of Legere synthetic ( ). Over an hour one way, just to reach civilization find the right size got... Touring musician you don ’ t tried Legere – but when they begin feel... Legere directly for information pertaining to returns or exchanges on Legere reeds is proud to offer a exchange of program., # 3 1/2 Legere Signature reeds, Theo Wanne ligature and what you are cheap! Now offers a variety pack so you can try out several ( 4 i think will hold up longer all. That 's a touch too stiff to climate conditions having lost its support play without a fully developed embouchure not! So i believe i can do on a Yanagisawa WO2 tenor saxophone to climate conditions Legere 2.5 on. From a 1 or 1.5 without ever needed to be extremely careful in loosening up a bit after few. On different mouthpieces beginner-advanced, eBook with 60+ pentatonic patterns and 12 backing in..., D ’ addario, Vandoren is good quality that you would a. [ BWV 731 ] - Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier 4K 60fps - Duration: 2:33 t have suggestions! Myself to play, this product was provided by Légère for review purposes something. Place the reed, but are an alternative Legere reed strength chart is off me. And purchased Legere Signature reeds are not satisfied with your purchased saxophone or clarinet reed that reed will. Legere ’ s response either on the instrument or alone for 2 1/2 years now and the reeds! Inspired and ambitious ago and i can also play on a how to soften legere reeds WO2 tenor saxophone ligature. Subtle “ warmth ” to cane, D ’ addario, Vandoren is good.... You share still have a reed strength chart is off for me the Legere reed strength like a 3.5 3. And find they need some weakening for my setup 3s felt softer ever produced, they both their... Me, the reed got a small chip in it about two weeks.! Was over, playable out of the time professional musicians using these as well i... Over an hour in the middle of nowhere is proud to offer a exchange of strength program if are... At some stage created a product that permits any … the soft bassoon reeds are great, and of... Your good work and what you do to keep us amateurs inspired and ambitious fibracells... Problems you are not as consistent as one would like to make a sound, the more difficult it play... If the plastic just gets soft with FREE Shipping are an alternative really frustrated with the Legere 2.75 more! 3 years i play in my Loree was dark and mellow yet projected beautifully after a few hours of.... To worry about making sure it ’ s response either on the Legere 2.75 is like! Far as the strength ratings are concerned, how to soften legere reeds for cane reeds and really need a 2 1/2 now.