Great reed, a tad brighter than my Vandoren Blue Box 2.5s (I bought the 2.75 French Cut) so I might recommend moving up a half strength. Overall great!
I decided to try the French cut tenor reeds on my bass clarinet and I’m completely happy with the result. The altissimo is much easier to play and the intonation is much improved. I’m also getting a darker more centered tone quality all around.
First try with the new French Cut Tenor Reed. It will now be my primary tenor reed. So smooth and warm playing. Easily handles large jumps and plays the entire range so consistent.
This is my first ever non-cane reed. The ease of play surprised me. This reed opened up some really stuffy notes on a hundred year old instrument and allowed for a greater dynamic range. Looking forward to trying other cuts and strengths.
I have been playing a Legere Signature on my tenor jazz mouthpiece (.110 tip opening with a somewhat high baffle) for several years now and have been super happy with it. Since I wanted to try the supposedly darker tone of the French Cut for my alto I decided I'd try it for tenor as well and I am super happy with it. I will likely switch over from the Signature reed. The French Cut definitely has a darker tone and it is still super responsive and feels so easy to play. I do recommend that you buy at least a 1/4 strength harder French Cut reed than what you are used to on either a Signature or American cut...possibly 1/2 strength stronger. I play a 2 Signature and a 2.25 French Cut still feels just slightly too soft...I will likely find a 2.5 as just right.
Whatever strength you prefer though, I do highly recommend trying this reed...especially if you are a fan of the Signature.
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