Especially for the Contrabass, reeds are expensive and then they are finicky. The Legere are good right out of the box, last and don’t warp or break down quickly. The stiffness and sound is great as well!

I have used the classic 2.5 contrabass reed on a Leblanc 7182 contrabass clarinet as well as on a Leblanc paperclip contra-alto clarinet and will say that it works well on both of them. I found the 2.5 to be ever so slightly too soft on the contrabass mouthpiece which makes me place the reed somewhat higher on the mouthpiece to compensate (it would be nice if they still had quarter strength reeds). The big gray case that it comes in inside with the rubber holder is a bit small for the contrabass reed (this makes the reed fit very tightly against the sides of the case). In order to take the reed out, I have to remove the reed with the rubber holder still attached to it. In order to put it back, I can't simply snap the reed back into the rubber holder while it's in the case. I have to take the rubber holder out first, snap the reed onto the holder, and then I place the reed and rubber holder back into the case. This issue isn't a deal breaker, but it can cause you to chip the reed if you try to pull it out the normal way with a lot of force. My friend has a Legere Bari Sax reed and his case does not have this issue likely because a Bari Sax Reed is slightly skinnier than a contrabass clarinet reed. I suspect this might also be an issue with the bass sax reeds since they are also quite a big reed.

This is my 4rth Reed that I have bought from Légère and I cannot believe how incredible these reeds are. I have a Bb Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet and now Contrabass (used on Contra-Alto) Reed, all of which are amazing and still going strong. Incredible performance right out of the box. Practically indistinguishable from cane reeds. As a Bass Trombonist who loves doubling on Woodwinds, these are a must have! I don’t have the time nor necessity to keep up with cane reed maintenance, so these are a life saver. Wonderful tone, excellent response, crisp articulation, and many, many more adjectives. I cannot speak LOUDER about the quality and build these reeds provide. Notes all the way in the basement are rich and full and the upper register doesn’t suffer from the body of the reed. I love my purchase and will CONTINUE to buy from here until I am proven these reeds are bad. Which will be impossible. Thank you to the team at Légère for all of your incredible work. Definitely a lifelong customer here!

Reeds were easy on my Bundy but a difficulty changing to a Leblanc paperclip. I initially tried wood and plastic for contra clarinet, bass & bari sax. None played well or sounded good. A low clarinet group suggested 1.5 - 2.0. This worked, but squeaked with difficult intonation. As my embouchure improved, so did my reed strength preference. I risked another Legere contra clarinet reed, this time a 2.5, and discovered a reed that sounds well, doesn't squeak, helps hold intonation, and for the first time, gives me confidence playing this instrument.

I have them for my Tenor Sax, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet and Contra Alto Clarinet. They play easy, are convenient to use (no dry reeds), and they last longer than the wooden reeds. My son also uses them.