My first Legere was a European cut, which was OK for me, but I found that it lost its “best sound” fairly quickly. I have not found that to be true with the French cut. They play great, and for a long time. The best part of legere reeds for me is when I’m teaching. I live in the northern Midwest which gets cold and dry for much of the year, and I got tired of having to re-wet my read to demonstrate Something for my student anytime I hadn’t been playing for, I don’t know, maybe 20 seconds? The legere is ready to go all of the time! It’s also great with rehearsals and performing to know that whatever my reed situation is, I always have a legere that can get the job done.

The French Cut reed responded very well with my open-faced mouthpiece.

I've played signature and european cuts on my clarinet for years now. But I love the warm tone on the french cut, and the consistency in the altissimo register is better in my opinion.

I've been using the legere French Cut clarinet reeds for a cuouple of months now, and to say that they've changed my life would be an understatement. No more struggling with cane reeds, no more stressing and worrying if I'll have something decent I can play an important concert on. With a Legere reed I can count on having a good reed all the time! I used Vandoren V12's for many years and I have to say that the Legere French Cut is equivalent in tone color to the best V12 and far surpasses it in articulation, response, and, most importantly, reliability. I hope to see a French Cut bass clarinet reed from Legere soon. When that day comes, all my reed working equipment will be thrown in the trash!

I actually am awaiting an exchange for higher strength Reed. I’ve been using Legere for a few years and really like them. The one I just ordered is too soft and they have a great exchange program.