Long time Légère customer, Van Doren V12 being the latest cane reed to be used (still sitting there in my reserve box).
Came in board with the first offered version. Not bad, pretty good. The item that grabbed my attention? Longer usability - quite impressive.
The next version, Standard cut, marginally better. Better tone quality but little did I know how the further development would become even more impressive.
The European cut was to become my preferred choice. Better response, less noisy in tone (to my late 60ish ears).. It gave me a better chance to blend with my fellow clarinetists in both a band and an orchestra setting.
The past two weeks, I've given the French cut a rigorous tryout.
Just when you think, they can't improve the product any more... 🙃
Great response. Great dynamic range (European allowed me a reasonable pianos sumo in the chalumeau and clarion ranges; this version takes me to pop), and I'm in love with the darkest the quality (I'm no longer in tone quality collisions with my orchestral neighbor until fatigue sets in - think "glove to a hand" or one instrumental color blending into one).
Waiting in anticipation as to what other mysterious revelations await!
Disclaimer;:
Larry Combs III (more open reed tip opening than the closed that is the general preference around these parts)
Reed strength: 3.0 (although I would be to try a strength halfway between this one and a 3 1/2 😉)
Last reed cane: Van Doren 3 1/2